Coach: Ian Garry ‘doesn’t survive’ on the ground against Islam Makhachev

Coach: Ian Garry ‘doesn’t survive’ on the ground against Islam MakhachevMarcelo AlonsoFeb 18, 2026Last week, Dana White revealed that meetings to form theUFCWhite House card have already begun.That statement piqued the curiosity of fans and journalists, starting a series of debates about possible big names that will headline the event. Very close toIlia Topuria, Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero confirmed the lightweight's presence on the card, possibly headlining againstJustin Gaethje. Colmenero alsoindicatedthatIslam Makhachevwould defend the welterweight title at a later date, probably facingIan Garry.A Clear Path to VictoryAlthough he did not confirm the information, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, did not refuse to analyze the possible confrontation between his athlete and the Irishman. In theAmerican Kickboxing Academycoach's assessment, Garry is likely to struggle if the fight hits the canvas.“Ian does well with Islam on his feet, he has reach and is unpredictable,” Mendez toldSubmission Radio. “On the ground, he does well, but doesn’t survive. His takedown defense is reasonable, but not enough to stopIslam Makhachevfrom finishing him.”

Coach: Ian Garry ‘doesn’t survive’ on the ground against Islam MakhachevMarcelo AlonsoFeb 18, 2026

Coach: Ian Garry ‘doesn’t survive’ on the ground against Islam Makhachev

Last week, Dana White revealed that meetings to form theUFCWhite House card have already begun.That statement piqued the curiosity of fans and journalists, starting a series of debates about possible big names that will headline the event. Very close toIlia Topuria, Spanish journalist Alvaro Colmenero confirmed the lightweight's presence on the card, possibly headlining againstJustin Gaethje. Colmenero alsoindicatedthatIslam Makhachevwould defend the welterweight title at a later date, probably facingIan Garry.A Clear Path to VictoryAlthough he did not confirm the information, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, did not refuse to analyze the possible confrontation between his athlete and the Irishman. In theAmerican Kickboxing Academycoach's assessment, Garry is likely to struggle if the fight hits the canvas.“Ian does well with Islam on his feet, he has reach and is unpredictable,” Mendez toldSubmission Radio. “On the ground, he does well, but doesn’t survive. His takedown defense is reasonable, but not enough to stopIslam Makhachevfrom finishing him.”

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