Islam Makhachev's Next UFC Fight Takes Unexpected Turn as Top Contender Ruled Out
In a fresh twist to the UFC welterweight title picture, Islam Makhachev's highly anticipated first defence as champion is now shrouded in speculation after his manager publicly ruled out a top-ranked contender. Ali Abdelaziz, the influential Egyptian manager, has blown off talk that rising star Ian Machado Garry will be the next challenger, instead hinting at a much larger bout in the works.
Manager Dismisses Garry, Fuels Speculation
Makhachev, who dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to become a rare two-weight champion, has yet to have his return to the Octagon confirmed. With the welterweight division stacked with talent, names like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales have been floated as potential opponents. However, Abdelaziz took to social media to explicitly exclude the number two-ranked Ian Machado Garry from contention.
"This is, I can tell you, the UFC working on a big fight and Ian (Garry) name is not involved," Abdelaziz stated. "Much bigger. One of the biggest fight in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned."
Machado Garry, who holds a record of 17-1 with 7 knockouts and 1 submission, responded on Instagram by accusing Makhachev of stalling. "I'm ready... he needs more time," he wrote. "Imagine being the number one pound for pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time." The Irish contender recently followed an impressive decision win over Carlos Prates with a victory against former champion Belal Muhammad in November.
Usman Emerges as Likely Challenger
Abdelaziz's cryptic post has instead stoked widespread speculation that former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who also falls under his management, could be the next opponent. Usman, who got back in the win column against Joaquin Buckley, has been vying for a shot at Makhachev. The reigning champion has openly favoured this challenge, branding Usman as the "biggest name in welterweight" and noting that the Nigerian would be "the hardest fight for me."
At the back-end of his career, Usman is considered one of the division's all-time greats. He staged a reign of terror as welterweight king between 2019 and 2022, defeating top fighters like Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns across five successful title defences.
Makhachev's Dominant Legacy
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev has looked nearly unbeatable at the UFC's pinnacle. With a professional record of 28-1, his only loss came over a decade ago. He is one of only 11 double champions in UFC history, having previously steamrolled opponents like Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano during a dominant run with the lightweight belt.
After relinquishing his lightweight crown in May last year, Makhachev quickly conquered the welterweight class. His first title defence in this new weight class remains unconfirmed, but the exclusion of Ian Machado Garry suggests the UFC is aiming for a blockbuster matchup that could redefine the division's landscape.
As fans and analysts await an official announcement, the focus shifts to whether Kamaru Usman will indeed get the call, setting up a clash between two of the sport's most formidable fighters.
