Ian Machado Garry: 'I'd beat Makhachev right now' in rematch

Ian Machado Garry says he is confident he would win if given another shot at Islam Makhachev.

Garry, who lost a welterweight title fight against Makhachev at UFC 330 last month, said after reviewing the bout that he believes he would beat Makhachev in an immediate rematch. He also said he regrets not throwing more strikes in their first encounter. Garry made the remarks in a recent interview with sports streaming platform DAZN.

Asked what he thought when looking back at the Makhachev fight, Garry said: "I'm proud and happy with the process and the camp. Obviously the result is frustrating. But that's fighting. You get back up and go again."

In the Aug. 16 bout, Garry held his own on the feet against Makhachev but was taken down seven times and lost by unanimous decision at the end of five rounds.

While Garry was competitive, critics said he should have been more aggressive even at the cost of taking risks. He also drew backlash for patting Makhachev on the head and pressing palms with him during round breaks — gestures many felt were out of place for a fighter on the losing end. UFC President Dana White and several veteran fighters called the behavior unsightly.

When asked what he would do differently, Garry said: "The biggest thing I would change is throwing more. More kicks, more power on the head shots. But it's hard to do that when you're standing across from someone who has won and won and won."

Garry then expressed strong confidence that he could win a rematch. "I think if I fought him right now, I'd win," he said. "I have massive belief in myself, my team and the process. I'd love to walk back into the octagon tomorrow and do it all over again from the outset."

Many fighters are lining up for a shot at Makhachev's belt, and Garry is expected to need at least two more wins before earning a rematch and another title opportunity.

"I'll come back and prove I'm one of the strongest people on the planet," Garry said, adding that he plans to return to the octagon as quickly as possible against whoever is next.