Ian Machado-Galley is clear that he wants full recognition if he manages to defeat Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship. Known for being a polarizing figure in the UFC, Ian insists that beating Makhachev—who has not lost in over ten years—demands respect from everyone. Despite the controversy around him, Ian believes that a victory like this would catapult him to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, a goal he is targeting for 2026, with a title fight reportedly imminent for the determined Dubliner.
In a recent video shared with his 1.1 million Instagram followers, Ian expressed his ambition to become a champion, praising Makhachev for his dominance over former champ Jacques de la Madalena and calling him the best fighter in the UFC today. Anticipating criticism for facing a smaller opponent moving up from lightweight, Ian confidently stated there will be no excuses if he wins and that he aims to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter.
Ian’s coach noted that Makhachev is not small despite moving up a weight class, and Ian agreed, emphasizing that no excuses will be accepted. He insisted that defeating Islam Makhachev and capturing the world title leaves no room for doubt—he could simply be the better fighter.
Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that Makhachev declined a title fight opportunity in January. When UFC proposed a short-notice fight, the match-up might have looked different at UFC 324, which instead featured Paddy Pimblett versus Justin Gaethje. Ali Abdelaziz, Makhachev’s manager, mentioned that names like Ian Ghaly and former champion Kamaru Usman were under consideration, but when Khabib Nurmagomedov suggested the fight to Makhachev’s camp, Makhachev reportedly told him to “shut up.”
Fan Take: This development is huge for fight fans because it sets the stage for a potentially defining battle in the UFC, pitting a rising star against an established legend. If Ian Machado-Galley secures the title, it could reshape the pound-for-pound hierarchy and signal a new era in the welterweight division, making this a must-watch storyline for the sport’s future.
