Stephen Thompson believes Ian Garry would give Islam Makhachev 'a very hard time'

Ian Garry is widely seen as the frontrunner to earn the next UFC title shot against Islam Makhachev. Stephen Thompson believes Garry presents the greatest threat among current contenders because Garry is not hesitant to use wrestling against an elite grappler. Garry’s well-rounded approach and lanky frame are expected to create serious problems for Makhachev. Garry’s record stands at 17-1, with 10 UFC wins and a lone professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is sidelined by injury. Garry is coming off victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad, while Prates has recently defeated Jack Della Maddalena.

"“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.”"

"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. 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."

"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."

Read at Sherdog