TLDR
- Ian Machado Garry has accused Islam Makhachev of faking a hand injury to avoid fighting him
- UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Makhachev has a hand injury that prevented a fight with Ilia Topuria
- Garry joked the injury may have occurred during horse riding rather than cage training
- The welterweight contender believes champions become inactive after winning titles
- Garry vows to remain an active champion if he wins a UFC belt, unlike what he sees from current titleholders
Sources: Low Kick MMA | Middle Easy | Ground News
UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has publicly questioned the legitimacy of Islam Makhachev’s reported hand injury. Garry believes the UFC champion may be using the injury as an excuse to avoid fighting him.
The Irish fighter expressed doubt about Makhachev’s condition during recent comments to media. “Yeah I heard that too,” Garry said when asked about the injury reports.
Garry suggested the hand injury claim is part of a larger pattern he sees among UFC champions. He believes fighters often become inactive after winning championship belts.
Questions About the Injury’s Origin
The welterweight contender made light of how Makhachev may have sustained the hand injury. Garry joked that the damage might have occurred outside the octagon, possibly during horse riding activities rather than in actual combat training.
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Makhachev is dealing with an injured hand. The injury reportedly prevented a planned matchup with Ilia Topuria at a proposed UFC event dubbed “Freedom 250” at the White House.
Ian Garry thinks Islam Makhachev is faking a hand injury 😬
“I don’t believe it. I think it’s excuses. He doesn’t want to fight.”
(via @iangarryMMA) pic.twitter.com/eJkeZWBIFH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 16, 2026
Despite White’s confirmation, Garry remains skeptical about the timing and validity of the injury report. He believes Makhachev simply wants to remain inactive as champion.
“He just doesn’t want to fight me,” Garry stated directly about the situation. The contender emphasized his readiness for a title fight whenever the opportunity arises.
Makhachev currently holds the UFC lightweight championship. However, discussions about potential matchups have circulated in recent weeks involving multiple weight classes.
Garry’s Commitment to Staying Active
The Irish welterweight made clear his intentions should he ever win championship gold. Garry vowed to remain an active champion, distinguishing himself from what he sees as the current trend.
He has positioned himself as a top contender in the welterweight division. Garry wants to establish himself as someone who will defend his title regularly if given the chance.
Speculation about Makhachev’s health status began circulating shortly after talk of high-profile matchups intensified. The timing of the injury announcement has raised eyebrows among fighters and fans alike.
Makhachev has been sidelined following his title win. The champion’s next move remains uncertain as recovery timelines have not been publicly disclosed.
Garry continues to call for his shot at championship gold. He insists he is prepared to fight immediately and will not let injuries or excuses delay his path to a title.
The welterweight contender has been vocal about wanting a title fight in the division. While Makhachev competes at lightweight, the sources indicate discussions about potential welterweight opportunities for the champion.
Other fighters have also entered the conversation about potential championship matchups. Colby Covington recently suggested that Michael Morales should be the one to challenge Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title.
Garry remains adamant that he deserves the first opportunity. He believes his performance and ranking in the division warrant a title shot over other contenders.
