The MMA world exploded in excitement after the backstage brawl involving Ian Garry and Khamzat Chimaev. Fans immediately started asking one question: What will happen if Ian Garry vs Khamzat Chimaev actually takes place?
This matchup is not only interesting because of their heated rivalry, but also because of the major differences in size, style, division, and career stages.
Chimaev is the Middleweight Champion who dominated Dricus Du Plessis to claim the title.
Meanwhile, Ian Garry is one of the most promising and undefeated contenders in the Welterweight division, pushing toward a title shot.
This article breaks down everything: skills, strengths, weaknesses, fight IQ, size difference, and how this fantasy fight might play out.
The aim is to give fans a clear and logical picture of what could happen if the clash ever becomes real.
Background of the Fighters
Khamzat Chimaev – The Dominant Middleweight Champion
Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in modern MMA.
His wrestling pressure, physical strength, and early takedown success have made him a nightmare matchup for almost everyone.
Key points about Chimaev:
- Known for rapid takedowns, often within the first minute
- Extremely strong top pressure
- Exceptional grappling and submissions
- Powerful striking with knockout ability
- Recently became the Middleweight Champion after dominating Dricus Du Plessis
Chimaev’s biggest weapon is how quickly he closes distance, shoots for takedowns, and immediately forces opponents into uncomfortable positions.
Ian Garry – The Rising Irish Superstar
Ian Garry is a very different fighter. He is younger, faster, and more technical in many areas.
He prefers to break opponents down with strategy rather than pure strength. Garry has proven himself as one of the smartest fighters in the welterweight division.
Key points about Garry:
- Excellent striking fundamentals
- Clean footwork and movement
- Strong defense and fight IQ
- Underrated wrestling and grappling
- Fights well on short notice, adapting to different opponents
- Gave a tough fight to Shavkat Rakhmanov, who is considered one of the strongest grapplers in the UFC
While Garry lost to Shavkat, the fight was much closer than many expected. He showed he can survive and compete against high-level grapplers.
Size and Weight Difference – A Major Factor
If this fight happens, it will likely take place at Middleweight. This gives Chimaev a natural advantage because:
- He cuts less weight
- His frame is larger
- He carries more power in both grappling and striking
Garry normally competes at welterweight, so moving up means fighting someone who is naturally stronger and heavier.
But Garry’s speed, cardio, and movement could help close the gap.
Skill Comparison: Who Has the Edge in Each Area?
1. Wrestling and Grappling
There is no question that Chimaev is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC today. His ability to secure takedowns early is unmatched.
Chimaev’s wrestling strengths:
- Explosive shots
- Upper-body control
- Chain wrestling
- Back takes
- Fast submissions
However, Ian Garry is not as weak in grappling as some fans assume.
He defended several takedown attempts from Shavkat Rakhmanov and survived grappling exchanges that many fighters could not.
Garry’s grappling strengths:
- Good defensive wrestling
- Strong hips and balance
- Solid scrambling ability
Grappling Edge: Chimaev
But Garry is not easy to dominate, and this makes the fight more competitive than people think.
2. Striking
This is where Ian Garry has a clear advantage.
Garry’s striking style:
- Fast combinations
- Clean jabs
- Accurate kicks
- Strong counter-attacks
- Good use of range
Chimaev hits hard, but his striking style is more aggressive and less technical.
He often uses striking mainly to close the distance and enter wrestling positions.
If the fight stays on the feet for long periods, Garry could find success.
Striking Edge: Garry
3. Fight IQ
Ian Garry is a calculated fighter. He studies opponents deeply and adapts during the fight. He rarely gets emotional and follows a game plan from start to finish.
Chimaev fights with intensity and confidence, but sometimes his aggression puts him in risky positions.
Fight IQ Edge: Garry
4. Cardio
Garry has great cardio at welterweight, and fighting at middleweight may help him perform even better due to less weight cutting.
Chimaev is explosive early, but has shown signs of slowing down in longer fights.
Cardio Edge: Garry
How the Fight Could Play Out: Scenarios
Scenario 1: Early Takedown by Chimaev
This is the most likely beginning. Chimaev shoots early, tries to put Garry on his back, and looks for a dominant position.
If he succeeds early, the first round will be difficult for Garry. Chimaev’s pressure in round one is overwhelming for most fighters.
But the real question is: Can he keep that pace for all rounds?
Garry has the composure to survive early danger, defend intelligently, and make adjustments.
Scenario 2: The Fight Stays Standing
If Garry prevents the early takedown or works back to his feet, the fight changes completely.
Garry would use:
- Distance control
- Jabs
- Leg kicks
- Body shots
- Counters
Chimaev would be forced to strike more, and this gives Garry a real chance to take control.
Scenario 3: Late Rounds Favor Ian Garry
If the fight goes into deep waters:
- Chimaev’s wrestling may slow down
- Garry’s movement becomes more effective
- Garry lands more shots and avoids grappling exchanges
This is where the fight turns competitive. Garry is a smart fighter who improves as the fight goes on.
Why Ian Garry Won’t Be Dominated
Many fans believe Chimaev would destroy Garry instantly because of his wrestling. But this ignores important facts:
- Garry survived and competed against Shavkat, one of the strongest grapplers in UFC
- Garry adapts quickly inside the cage
- His speed and footwork make him hard to catch
- His defensive wrestling has improved significantly
- Garry rarely gets trapped against the cage
- He has strong jiu-jitsu defense and calmness under pressure
Chimaev is the favorite, but this is not a one-sided fight.
Strengths of Khamzat Chimaev in This Matchup
- Larger frame and more power
- Impressive championship-level wrestling
- Ability to control from a top position
- Fast finishing ability
- Dangerous submissions
- Strong clinch game
If Chimaev establishes control early, he can win the fight through dominance.
Strengths of Ian Garry in This Matchup
- Better striking
- Faster footwork
- Higher fight IQ
- More calculated game planning
- Ability to adjust mid-fight
- Strong defensive grappling
- Excellent cardio
Garry’s path to victory is longer but very possible.
Who Would Be the Favorite?
Chimaev would absolutely be the betting favorite because:
- He is the Middleweight Champion
- He has proven dominance at a higher weight
- He has strength and wrestling advantages
But being the favorite does not mean the fight is easy.
Ian Garry has all the tools to make the fight competitive and even steal a win if the right opportunities appear.
Potential Fight Outcome: A Competitive War, Not a Walkover
If Ian Garry vs Khamzat Chimaev happens, fans should expect:
- A very intense first round
- Wrestling vs movement
- Technique vs power
- Strategy vs explosiveness
Chimaev might start strong, but Garry can turn the fight around in the later rounds if he avoids major damage early.
This is not a mismatch. It’s a real stylistic clash between:
- A technical, smart, fast striker
- A powerful, aggressive, relentless grappler
Both fighters have paths to victory.
Why Fans Want This Fight
The fight has all the elements of a massive UFC event:
- Backstage brawl created real tension
- A rising welterweight star vs a dominant middleweight champion
- Irish fanbase vs global Chimaev fanbase
- Technical skill vs raw power
- Future superstar vs established champion
This is the type of fight that brings huge hype, sells out arenas, and creates explosive fan debates.
Final Thoughts: What If the Fight Really Happens?
If the UFC books Ian Garry vs Khamzat Chimaev, fans will witness one of the most exciting stylistic matchups in recent years.
Chimaev has the size and wrestling to take early control, but Ian Garry’s striking, IQ, cardio, and underrated grappling make him far from an easy matchup.
- Chimaev is the favorite — as he should be.
- Garry has the tools to prove many people wrong.
The fight would not be a walk in the park for anyone. It would be a true test for both men, and one of the most unpredictable and thrilling fights the UFC could make.
Ashish Lavania is a dedicated combat sports analyst and the mind behind some of the most detailed breakdowns in modern fight media. Specializing in UFC, MMA, and boxing analysis, Ashish combines deep technical knowledge with a fan-first approach, delivering insights that are easy to understand yet backed by real fighting IQ.