What happens if Islam Makhachev can’t get the takedown? It might actually help him. If Islam is forced to stand with Ian Garry and starts winning those exchanges, that would tell us something we haven’t fully appreciated about his game. There’s a common narrative that Islam’s striking is his weakness. That comes largely from the one fight where he was stopped — a fight that ended with a head kick. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Islam is a world-class grappler, but he has also developed into a far more complete striker than many people give him credit for. If he can go out there against Ian Garry, keep the fight standing when necessary, and actually outstrike a young, highly skilled striker, that would be a major statement. Especially because Garry is young, tall, rangy, and increasingly confident in his wrestling and striking. Islam Makhachev dominating him would be impressive. But dominating him on the feet? That could change the conversation entirely. And then we ge