“Waiting for the contract”- Islam Makhachev Fires Back At Ian Garry Amid Comeback Buzz
Islam Makhachev hasn’t stepped into the UFC Octagon since he won the welterweight title back in November 2025. The fighter stayed away for Ramadan and then went through a hand injury, which further pushed his comeback.
On top of that, the promotion hasn’t confirmed who’s next in line to fight the pound-for-pound king. Top welterweight Ian Garry believes he’s next in line and recently made a post to taunt the welterweight champion.
“We’re all waiting on you, princess,” wrote Ian Garry via Instagram. As expected, it didn’t go unnoticed by Makhachev, who made a strong response on X. “Don’t worry about my injuries. I’m ready at any time. I’m waiting for the contract.”
Ian Garry is currently on a two-fight winning streak and has an ongoing rivalry with Islam Makhachev. The fighter also moved to Georgia to train in wrestling in order to fight the welterweight champion.
Other than Garry, there are other names, such as Michael Morales, who are in line to fight Islam Makhachev next. According to Makhachev, July might be the appropriate time for him to return to action inside the Octagon.
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Top lightweight predicts Islam Makhachev potentially fighting Ilia Topuria
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria is undoubtedly the most anticipated fights in the UFC roster, and fans are desperate for it. While both champions are busy with their respective divisions, there are still rumours about this fight happening.
In a recent interview, top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan talked about this possibility and revealed that the ‘El Matador’ might move up after his next fight. Ilia’s going to move up. “The UFC probably wants him to move up as well. If he’s going to move up, it’s okay. He’s going to move up, and Islam is going to kick his a**,” said Arman Tsarukyan via The Ariel Helwani Show.
Tsarukyan believes he will be fighting for the vacant title next, but isn’t shutting down the idea of settling his rivalry against Topuria. “Then he’ll come back down, and I’ll kick his a**, and the UFC will release him,” Tsarukyan continued.
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