Ian Machado Garry’s recent trip to Tbilisi has sparked speculation that the Irish contender could be closing in on a UFC welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev.

Garry has positioned himself as a leading challenger for Makhachev’s 170-pound belt, despite sections of the fanbase backing alternative contenders and ongoing links to former champion Kamaru Usman. Observers noted that Garry shared an image of an airport departure board showing a flight to the Georgian capital, prompting suggestions that preparations for a clash with Makhachev may already be underway.

Following his win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, Garry previously indicated he would travel to Georgia if a bout with Makhachev was secured. “I promise you, I told all of you, I will come to Georgia,” Garry told a reporter on the night. “Because Georgia has phenomenal wrestling, phenomenal judo, phenomenal sambo and when you’re trying to prepare for someone like Islam Makhachev, I’m going to need that.

“So Georgia, I’m hollering to you guys, I’m going to need your help. Every southpaw wrestler, every guy that thinks he’s going to be like Islam Makhachev. We need to find a place, I will see you there, I need your help.”

Garry has become known for his travelling training camps, previously spending extended periods at Chute Boxe Academy in Curitiba, Brazil, while regularly moving between gyms. His approach mirrors a broader strategy of seeking out specialist sparring partners in preparation for stylistic challenges, with Georgia widely regarded for its wrestling and grappling pedigree.

Makhachev, who moved up to welterweight in November to claim a second UFC title, has indicated he intends to be more active following the change in weight class, with a first defence expected in the summer. Usman has been considered a frontrunner for the opportunity, particularly given his shared management with Makhachev, though Garry’s 17-1 professional record and recent ranked victories strengthen his claim.

Garry’s only defeat came via a close decision against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Rakhmonov has not competed since, and Garry has suggested previously that an injury sustained in their bout has delayed the Kazakh contender’s return.