Stephen
Thompson believes Ian Garry has
the best shot at dethroning Islam
Makhachev.
The
UFC welterweight division is currently teeming with contenders.
While Carlos
Prates and Michael
Morales are in the race, Garry is widely considered the
frontrunner for the next title shot against Makhachev.
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Thompson believes Garry poses the biggest threat to Makhachev out
of all the contenders. According to Thompson, Garry won’t hesitate
to use his wrestling against an elite grappler like Makhachev.
“Wonderboy” believes Garry’s well-rounded skills and lanky frame
can give Makhachev serious trouble if they fight.
Not Afraid to Wrestle
“I think Ian Garry would give him a hard time,” Thompson told
Full Mount Media. “Ian Garry is not afraid to
use his wrestling. You actually see more of his wrestling than
[Morales and Prates’]. He’s very crafty; he puts his hands and feet
together very well. But he’s not afraid to go out there and
wrestle. I do believe that he is long enough, he is lanky enough to
be able to give [Makhachev] a very hard time, very hard time.”
Garry (17-1) has scored 10 UFC victories while suffering his lone
professional loss against fellow contender Shavkat
Rakhmonov, who is now out of the title picture due to an
injury. “The Future” is coming off wins over Prates and former
champion Belal
Muhammad. While Prates recently finished former champ, Jack
Della Maddalena, “The Nightmare” believes Garry will challenge
Makhachev for the title before him.