TLDR
- Islam Makhachev says UFC will decide his next welterweight title challenger within two weeks
- Ian Machado Garry called out Makhachev after beating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar
- Makhachev said Garry could get the title shot if he “surprised the UFC” with his performance
- The champion previously stated Kamaru Usman is his preferred first defense opponent
- Makhachev believes the welterweight division now has three to four legitimate contenders
Islam Makhachev has responded to Ian Machado Garry’s title challenge following UFC Qatar on Saturday night. The welterweight champion acknowledged Garry’s victory over former titleholder Belal Muhammad but stopped short of confirming him as the next challenger.
Makhachev captured the welterweight belt on November 15 by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York City. He became a two-division champion while holding the lightweight title at the time.
Garry defeated Muhammad by unanimous decision in the co-main event at UFC Qatar. After the fight, the Irish welterweight immediately called out Makhachev for a title shot.
“He has to fight me next,” Garry said at the post-fight press conference. He argued that his wins over top contenders justify a title opportunity.
Speaking through a translator after the event, Makhachev described the current state of the welterweight division. He said the UFC will make a decision about his next opponent soon.
“At my event, two guys were fighting,” Makhachev said. “Both won their fights early. Both are young and finish fights well but now we have a division, I think, the most active, the youngest, where the most competitive fights are.”
Multiple Contenders in the Mix
The champion indicated that several fighters are now in position to challenge for his belt. He mentioned that at least three or four contenders have emerged in recent weeks.
“In the near future, probably in two weeks, it will be clear who the next contender will be,” Makhachev stated. He suggested the UFC will make the final determination on his first welterweight title defense.
When asked directly about facing Garry, Makhachev called it an “interesting” matchup. He acknowledged Garry’s winning streak and youth as factors in his favor.
“He’s also a good fighter and on a good winning streak and young,” the champion said. “I think it will turn out interesting.”However, Makhachev added a condition for Garry receiving the title shot. “He didn’t surprise me yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then he will probably be next.”
Makhachev has previously expressed interest in fighting Kamaru Usman for his first welterweight title defense. The former champion remains his preferred opponent despite Garry’s recent win.
Other Potential Challengers
Michael Morales recently knocked out Sean Brady in the first round. This performance added another name to the list of possible challengers for Makhachev’s belt.
Shavkat Rakhmonov is another highly ranked welterweight who has been mentioned as a potential opponent. However, injuries have limited his recent activity in the division.
Garry defended his case for a title shot by listing his resume. He has defeated Daniel Rodriguez, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, Michael Page, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates, and now Belal Muhammad.
“There’s nobody that’s fought a deeper division, that’s fought guys from top to bottom,” Garry said. He questioned why he hasn’t received a title opportunity despite his string of victories.
Makhachev also commented on Arman Tsarukyan’s victory over Dan Hooker in the main event at UFC Qatar. Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to fight Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 311 before a back injury forced him to withdraw.
“I assumed he would win. Well, not so dominant but I thought he would win,” Makhachev said about Tsarukyan’s performance. “I think Arman has already stated and proven that he deserves a title shot and will probably fight for it in his next fight.”
