Islam Makhachev’s first defence as UFC welterweight champion is in the works, but it appears one top contender will not be getting his shot at gold. Makhachev (28-1, 5 KOs, 13 Submissions) dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a two-weight champion, yet his return to the Octagon remains unconfirmed.
Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has ruled out number two-ranked Ian Machado Garry as a potential opponent. “This is, I can tell you, the UFC working on a big fight and Ian (Garry) name is not involved,” Abdelaziz said on X. “Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned.”
Machado Garry (17-1) responded on Instagram, accusing Makhachev of stalling. “I’m ready... he needs more time,” Garry wrote. “Imagine being the number one pound for pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.” Garry recently defeated Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad.
Abdelaziz’s comments have fuelled speculation that former champion Kamaru Usman, also managed by him, is the frontrunner. Usman has been vying for a shot since beating Joaquin Buckley, and Makhachev has publicly favoured the challenge, calling Usman the “biggest name in welterweight” and “the hardest fight for me”.
Makhachev has looked dominant at the UFC’s pinnacle, with his only professional loss coming over a decade ago. He is one of only 11 double champions in UFC history, having previously ruled the lightweight division before relinquishing that belt in May last year to move up to welterweight.
