Islam Makhachev’s agent Ali Abdelaziz recently shared his thoughts on a potential title fight between his client and Ian Machado-Gary.

Gary claimed a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar last November and has since called for a chance to face Makhachev. Prior to that, the Irishman defeated Carlos Prates via unanimous decision at UFC Kansas City last April.

Usman, meanwhile, knocked out Joaquin Barkley in five rounds at UFC Atlanta last June and has made it clear he wants to face Makhachev in a subsequent welterweight title fight.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Makhachev’s agent Gary’s title shot was weighed in and he was deemed the most deserving candidate. Instead, he advocated for a Makhachev vs. Usman fight, saying:

Get the latest updates for One Champions Ranking list At Sportskeeda et al.

“I don’t have a problem with (Gary). He just lost to Shavkat (Rakhmonov) and he was almost finished by Plates. It’s not like he’s going to sell out the Arena or anything like that. If he’s going to sell out the Arena, why not put him and Berard in Qatar? You put Aman (Tsarukyan) and Dan Hooker (Dan Hooker)? None of those guys are former champions. The math doesn’t work for me.”

He added:

“He’s not who people think he is. He’s not good enough to be the main event in Qatar. Look, the UFC doesn’t care about rankings. They can tell me whatever they want… Kamaru just won and he almost lost to Kamzat (Chimaev). Anyone cheering for Kamaru Usman’s a** in the Octagon? Never. Kamaru Usman was Islam Makhachev’s toughest fight.” (High/Ton: mixed martial arts fans)

Ian Machado-Gary vows to beat Islam Makhachev in potential title fight

Ian Machado Gary Recently hailed Islam Makhachev as “one of the most dangerous men on the planet” while promising to defeat the Dagestani fighting master in a potential fight.

In a video posted to his social media (via @Home_of_Fight on X), Gary gave Makhachev flowers and said:

“Islam Makhachev is one of the greatest boxers on the planet today. No. 1 boxer on the planet. World champion in two weight classes. Former Sambo world and European champion. What he does is absolutely incredible.”

He added:

“He is one of the most dangerous people on the planet right now. When you defeat Islam, it changes the way everyone in the world views you, and I’m going to do that.”