Is Islam Makhachev’s opponent for his first UFC welterweight championship title defense locked up? According to Ian Machado Garry, it just might be.
Makhachev captured the welterweight title with a lopsided decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 this past November. To most fans, it seemed to be a two horse race heading into 2026 to see who would face Makhachev between Machado Garry and Michael Morales.
According to Machado Garry’s recent social media post, he’s the guy, and he’s just waiting on Makhachev — who “The Future” didn’t mind taking a subtle shot at.
“I’m ready,” Garry wrote on Instagram. “He needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound for pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.”
Machado Garry is 10-1 in the UFC, and is currently riding a two-fight win streak. The lone loss on Garry’s record comes in a competitive, short-notice fight against Shavkat Rakhamonov at UFC 310 in December 2024. Since then, the 28-year-old picked up unanimous decision victories against Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad.
Makhachev’s manager responded on Twitter below.
