Ian Machado Garry delivered a direct challenge to Islam Makhachev following his victory over former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar last November. Garry, who improved to 10–1 in the UFC, used both the post-fight interview and social media to demand a title shot, addressing Makhachev and questioning the champion’s timing for his next defense. “You’re done. Sign the contract and I will see you soon,” Garry stated after his decision win. On March 2, he posted, “I’m ready… Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.”
Ali Abdelaziz, who manages Makhachev, quickly dampened Garry’s title hopes. Responding on social media, Abdelaziz stated, “The UFC is working on a big fight for Islam… Ian’s name is not involved. Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned.” Abdelaziz has questioned Garry’s mainstream appeal in previous interviews, referencing Garry’s decision-heavy style and loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024. “He just lost to Shavkat… coming from nine out of 10 fights by decision… Is he an exciting fighter? … No, he’s boring,” Abdelaziz said earlier this year.
This is, I can tell you, the UFC working on a big fight Islam Makhachev and ian name is not involved. Much bigger. One of the biggest fight in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned.😉
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) March 2, 2026
Makhachev, who captured the welterweight title at UFC 322 in November and remains the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter, acknowledged Garry as a contender, but noted that several names are in the mix. “Garry is interesting,” Makhachev said in late 2025, citing Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, and Shavkat Rakhmonov as other possible challengers.
Despite Garry’s status as the division’s No. 2 contender and his recent win, signals from Makhachev’s team and UFC brass point toward a different, potentially higher-profile matchup. The promotion’s focus appears to be on a fight that maximizes both financial and mainstream interest, with speculation centering on potential champion-vs-champion clashes or even a major name like Conor McGregor. There continues to be uncertainty about the title picture, with other contenders such as Kamaru Usman, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates also potentially waiting for their chance.
🗣️ Ian Garry via IG:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 2, 2026
“I’m ready. [Islam] needs more time. Imagine being the #1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.” 😳 pic.twitter.com/13pNOFJ7Bz
The message from Makhachev’s camp to Garry remains firm: more conclusive victories and sustained momentum may be needed to secure a crack at championship gold. Whether Garry will wait his turn, seek another top-ranked bout, or if the UFC’s plans shift in his favor will depend on developments in the division over the coming months. For now, the welterweight landscape remains dynamic as Makhachev and his team look toward what they call “one of the biggest fights in the UFC right now.”
