TLDR
- Michael Page believes Ian Machado Garry could defeat Islam Makhachev using superior striking and distance management
- Page has firsthand experience fighting Garry, giving his analysis unique credibility
- Garry has been calling out Makhachev, Kamaru Usman, and Shavkat Rakhmonov for high-profile fights
- A Garry vs Makhachev fight would require Garry to move down from welterweight to lightweight
- Page emphasizes that Garry must keep the fight standing and avoid Makhachev’s elite grappling
Sources: Yahoo News Malaysia | Bloody Elbow | MMA Fighting
Michael Page has outlined how his former rival Ian Machado Garry could pull off an upset victory against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Page, who fought Garry earlier in his career, shared his insights on what it would take for the Irish welterweight to defeat one of the sport’s most dominant champions.
Garry has been making headlines recently by calling for a fight with Makhachev. The rising welterweight contender has also been vocal about other potential opponents, including former champion Kamaru Usman and undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
The world is so small and the MMA world is even smaller. Smaller enough to meet one of my favorite fighters, who is also one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met.
Back in 2019, when I first saw that Ian Machado Garry was making his professional MMA debut in @CageWarriors, I… pic.twitter.com/EjiubwngJB
— Giorgi Kokiashvili 🇬🇪 (@iHeartGeorgius1) February 18, 2026
Page’s Blueprint for Victory
Page believes Garry’s striking skills could be the key to victory against Makhachev. The veteran fighter pointed to Garry’s distance management and footwork as crucial tools that could keep him out of Makhachev’s grappling range.
According to Page, Garry would need to maintain his range and use his reach advantage effectively. The strategy would involve keeping the fight standing and avoiding Makhachev’s world-class wrestling and ground game.
Page has firsthand experience competing against Garry, which gives his analysis unique credibility. Their past matchup provided Page with direct insight into Garry’s skills and fighting style.
The former Bellator fighter emphasized that Garry possesses the striking ability to cause problems for any opponent. Page suggested that Garry’s movement and counter-striking could frustrate Makhachev’s typical game plan.
Garry’s Recent Callouts
Garry has been actively campaigning for high-profile fights in recent weeks. He specifically targeted Makhachev, who currently holds the lightweight title and is considered one of the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world.
The Irish fighter also directed criticism at Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion. Garry has expressed interest in facing Usman as part of his climb up the welterweight rankings.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, another undefeated welterweight contender, has also been mentioned by Garry. The callouts show Garry’s willingness to face top competition in his weight class.
A potential matchup between Garry and Makhachev would require Garry to move down a weight class. Makhachev competes at lightweight while Garry currently fights at welterweight.
Page’s breakdown comes as Garry continues to build momentum in the welterweight division. The fighter has been working to establish himself as a legitimate contender for a title shot.
The analysis from Page suggests that while Makhachev enters as the clear favorite, Garry’s skill set could provide a path to victory. Page’s emphasis on striking and distance control highlights the areas where Garry would need to excel.
Makhachev has successfully defended his lightweight title multiple times using his dominant grappling. Any opponent looking to defeat him typically needs an exceptional takedown defense and striking game.
Page’s comments add fuel to ongoing discussions about Garry’s readiness for elite competition. The Irish fighter has been steadily climbing the ranks and seeking to prove himself against the best in the sport.
