“Waiting on You Princess” – Ian Garry Targets Islam Makhachev for Teasing July Return

Ian Garry taunts Islam Makhachev over teasing his next fight after not having defended the welterweight belt at all this year.

“Waiting on You Princess” – Ian Garry Targets Islam Makhachev for Teasing July Return

Ian Garry calls out Islam Makhachev [via Reddit and Bloody Elbow]

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev has teased a potential fight announcement for July despite previously stating he would return in August.
  • Ian Garry has publicly criticized Makhachev for not accepting a fight offer and claims to be ready for a title shot.
  • Makhachev responded to Garry's comments, stating he is ready to fight whenever the UFC provides a contract.

Islam Makhachev, the welterweight champion of the world, has been out with a hand injury. But he recently teased his fans with the promise of a fight announcement. He took to X and posted a phone emoji hinting at July. This seems to have rubbed welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry the wrong way.

Makhachev is yet to defend his welterweight belt after winning it from Jack Della Maddalena in November last year. After he became a double champion, fans clamored for him to be put on the UFC Freedom 250 card against Ilia Topuria. However, the card was announced with Justin Gaethje and Topuria as the headliners, with no mention of the Dagestani star.

It seems Islam Makhachev is now nearing a return, teasing a fight a month after the White House card. In light of this, Ian Garry seemingly wants to cement his place as the next challenger for the welterweight and pound-for-pound king. Garry used his platform to leave Makhachev a scathing message, accusing the champion of turning down a fight with him in May.

First you said you have a hand injury, Dana said August, you’re saying July – I’ve been ready since you last turned me down in May. We’re all waiting on you princess.

Ian Garry via Instagram

Garry also alluded to Dana White‘s apparent confirmation of the welterweight champion’s return a few weeks ago. This came after Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told TMZ that Makhachev would be back in July.

White revealed on Instagram that the 34-year-old would be back in August. However, Makhachev’s recent X post contradicted his boss outright, once again shifting the timeline back to July.

On the other hand, Ian Garry has been calling for a fight for the welterweight title for a long time now. The Irishman employed many tacts, including questioning the legitimacy of Makhachev’s injury. But this latest taunt got the attention of the Dagestani double champion.

Islam Makhachev claps back at Ian Garry

Despite being among the frontrunners to face Islam Makhachev, Ian Garry has persistently called out the champion. So far, the Dagestani had been silent in spite of the Irishman’s barbs. But this time, the welterweight champion didn’t turn the other cheek in response to the Irishman’s comments.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via Yahoo Sports)

The pound-for-pound king took to X to respond to Ian Garry. He asked the Irishman to stop worrying about his injuries. Makhachev told the No. 2 ranked welterweight that he’s ready to go whenever the UFC gives him the green light. Things sure are heating up in the rivalry between these welterweights.

Don’t worry about my injuries. I’m ready at any time. I’m waiting for the contract

Islam Makhachev responds on X

Islam Makhachev has always had a target on his back. After all, he has been the pound-for-pound king for a while now, barring a brief moment when Topuria had the crown. But the UFC’s welterweight division is a veritable murderer’s row of elite fighters. So, the aforementioned target has only grown since he dominated Jack Della Maddelena at UFC 322.

While many fans still want Makhachev to go up against Ilia Topuria, such a quick turnaround for ‘El Matador’ seems impossible. He is set to go against the aggressive style of Justin Gaethje. So it is more than likely that Islam Makhachev’s next opponent will be someone from the welterweight top 5.

Michael Morales, Ian Garry, and even Kamaru Usman have all called for a fight against the Dagestani champion. However, only one of them has a win over a former champion in their last 5 fights. Moreover, with the amount of vitriol Garry has spewed at Makhachev, it is possible that Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protege may just want to settle the score.

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