Ian Garry Wanting to Face Islam Makhachev Brushed Off by Undefeated Michael Morales

Top contender Michael Morales talks about Ian Garry and a potential title shot against the champion Islam Makhachev.

Ian Garry Wanting to Face Islam Makhachev Brushed Off by Undefeated Michael Morales

Michael Morales is ready to snatch the title shot from Ian Garry to fight Michael Morales (via X)

In Short
  • Ian Garry is actively campaigning to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title.
  • Michael Morales, ranked #3, publicly dismissed Garry's ambitions and claimed the championship belt is his.
  • Garry's coach believes he meets all criteria to challenge Makhachev, citing his recent performances and marketability.

The UFC welterweight division stands as one of the most competitive and talent-stacked categories on the entire roster. With Islam Makhachev now reigning as the newly crowned champion, every elite contender is urgently chasing a career-defining opportunity. Rising contenders like Ian Garry and Michael Morales are aggressively campaigning to insert their names into the heated title conversation.

Garry has been extremely vocal about fighting Makhachev and insists he can recreate the Irish versus Dagestan rivalry once again. While openly praising Makhachev’s dominance and accomplishments, Garry remains determined to capture the pound-for-pound number one position.

The Irish welterweight recently informed fans that he was in training camp and fully focused on preparing for his highly anticipated UFC return. Meanwhile, Michael Morales seized the moment to publicly mock the Irishman and question his bold championship ambitions.

Tell him to (expletive) it and that the belt is mine

Michael Morales via Instagram

Ian Garry currently holds the number two ranking in the welterweight division and rides an impressive two-fight winning streak. During that run, he secured victories over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates, further strengthening his championship credentials in the division.

He previously faced top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov in a razor-close contest that elevated his status as a legitimate title threat. Beyond his performances inside the cage, Garry understands promotion, using trash-talk and social media antics to captivate interest.

On the other hand, Michael Morales is #3 in the division, undefeated in the UFC, and well-known for his fighting style. In his last bout, the Ecuadorian beat Sean Brady via TKO, which boosted his confidence and his chances of fighting Makhachev. The fighter has already warned the champion, saying that he’s not afraid of the Dagestani and looks to dethrone him. 

Apart from them, there is Carlos Prates, who in his last bout defeated Leon Edwards via a brutal KO. The fighter has also called out Makhachev and believes his fighting style makes this fight more interesting than others. Makhachev is expected to fight after Ramadan, and it will be interesting to see who the promotion decides to put against him.

Coach explains Ian Garry’s case for the next title shot against Islam Makhachev

It has been several months since Islam Makhachev captured the welterweight championship by dominantly defeating Jack Della Maddalena. With no immediate title defense announced, frustration has begun spreading throughout the division among hungry contenders awaiting their opportunity.

Ian Garry's coach believes Islam Makhachev needs to fight the Irishman
Ian Garry’s coach believes Islam Makhachev needs to fight the Irishman (via X)

Recently, outspoken welterweight Joaquin Buckley launched a heated rant criticizing the ongoing inactivity at the championship level. Buckley accused Makhachev of stalling the division and questioned whether other contenders were truly prepared to seize the moment.

Meanwhile, coach Diego Lima strongly endorsed Ian Garry as the ideal challenger for this marquee event. In a recent interview, Lima outlined what Garry brings to the table in this much-anticipated potential title fight.

It’s a division where it’s hard to pick a favorite in almost every fight… But I believe that, without a doubt, the fight to make for the title is Ian Garry. For everything. For what he’s shown, who he’s faced, how he’s faced them, the short notice on which he accepted fights, the intelligence he’s demonstrated, and the fact he sells. He sells a lot. I believe he has all the characteristics and requirements to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title.

Diego Lima via MMA Fighting 

With Makhachev focused on fighting the former champion Kamaru Usman next, things are certainly confusing. According to Makhachev’s team, Usman makes the most sense, financially as well as legacy-wise. However, many have criticized this move, asking to fight a younger and hungrier opponent instead.

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