TLDR
- Ian Garry says he accepted a UFC main event fight against Michael Morales for a specific date
- Garry claims Morales is making excuses behind the scenes despite calling him out publicly
- Morales released a video naming Garry and other top welterweights as potential opponents
- Garry is coming off a loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August
- Morales is unbeaten at 19-0 and has won seven straight UFC fights with recent first-round knockouts
Sources: sherdog.com | mmamania.com | themaclife.com
Ian Garry has responded to Michael Morales after the undefeated welterweight called him out on social media. Garry claims he has already accepted a UFC main event fight against Morales but says the Ecuadorian is making excuses behind the scenes.
Morales posted a video on Instagram Sunday naming several top welterweights as potential opponents. The list included UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Garry.
🚨| Dana White has again criticised Ian Machado Garry for his “lack of killer instinct” during R5 of his fight with Islam Makhachev at #UFC330.
“You go out and start shaking his hand, and hugging him, do that when they’re strapping the belt on you.” 😳
🎥 The Diary of a CEO… pic.twitter.com/EKEjRKhd5u
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) October 5, 2026
The unbeaten fighter saved Garry for last with a direct message. “Oh, I almost forgot about you,” Morales said in the video. “F*ck you, Ian Garry.”
Garry Says Fight Date Is Set
Garry fired back on Instagram, claiming the UFC has already sent both fighters a date for the matchup. “I’ve said YES,” Garry wrote. “The date is locked in. Main event and you’re making excuses already.”
The Irish fighter said he even sent a direct message to Morales himself. “UFC sent the date. I DM’d you myself,” Garry continued. “You make it all public but behind the scenes I’m getting a different message.”
Garry questioned why Morales would call him out publicly while allegedly giving different responses privately. “The world knows I’m anyone, anytime… How long has it been since he’s fought?” Garry added.
Garry is looking to bounce back after losing to Makhachev by unanimous decision at UFC 330 in August. The loss was his first defeat as a professional mixed martial artist.
Morales has not fought in 2026 and last competed nearly a year ago. His most recent appearance was a first-round finish of Sean Brady.
Morales Eyes Title Shot
Morales holds a perfect record of 19-0 overall. He has won seven consecutive UFC fights, with his last three all ending in first-round knockouts.
His recent victories include stoppages of Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny. All three fights ended in the opening round.
In the same video where he called out Garry, Morales also mentioned wanting to fight Prates. A matchup between Morales and Prates could serve as a title eliminator to determine the next challenger for Makhachev’s welterweight championship.
Carlos Prates is currently ranked number one in the welterweight division. He is considered the front-runner for the next title shot.
Morales also named Rakhmonov as another potential opponent if his preferred matchups do not come together. Both Morales and Rakhmonov are undefeated in their UFC careers.
Garry served as the backup fighter for the Makhachev title fight where Morales weighed in as an alternate. Now both fighters are targeting another opportunity to move closer to championship contention at 170 pounds.
The proposed fight date appears to be November 28 in Saudi Arabia. However, it remains unclear if Morales has officially accepted the matchup despite his public callout of Garry.
