Makhachev And Machado Garry’s War Of Words – ‘I’m Ready’
UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry engaged in a heated exchange on social media following Makhachev’s hint at a summer title defense.
Makhachev hinted at a return to fighting at UFC 330 (International Fight Week) on July 11, 2026, which sparked the tension. While the card is expected to be headlined by the return of Conor McGregor, Makhachev’s inclusion would provide the event with its first official world title bout.
Makhachev has been sidelined since his victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last year. His absence has been attributed to a lingering hand injury, which prevented a bout against Ilia Topuria. Machado Garry accused Islam of “faking” the severity of his injury to avoid a matchup. The champion responded to Garry’s jabs.
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“First you say 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,” Garry
“Don’t worry about my injuries. I’m ready at any time. I’m waiting for the contract,” Makhachev
| Factor | Impact on Fight Happening |
| Garry’s Activity | High – He is healthy and has won 10 of 11 UFC bouts. |
| Makhachev’s Hand | Medium – If he isn’t 100% by May, July is impossible. |
| Commercial Appeal | High – An Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry sells itself, especially on a McGregor card. |
Will It Happen?
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The most compelling factor behind this fight happening is Makhachev’s current status as a two-division champion. Having outclassed Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in late 2025 to capture the 170-pound belt, Islam is now the “hunted” man in a division where Garry is a surging contender. However, the UFC’s matchmakers are notorious for prioritizing “super-fights” over standard rankings. While Garry is vocal, the UFC has also explored a legacy bout against Kamaru Usman or a cross-divisional clash with Ilia Topuria.
For this fight to happen in July, Makhachev’s medical clearance must align with a full eight-week training camp starting in May. Dana White previously mentioned an August return, while Islam is now publically pushing for July. This discrepancy suggests internal negotiations are still fluid.
Garry has been active, recently coming off a win over Belal Muhammad in late 2025. His readiness is his greatest leverage; if other contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov remain sidelined by injury, the UFC may have no choice but to tap “The Future.”
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