Ian Machado Garry Accuses Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev of Evading Title Defense Under Guise of Injury

UFC contender Ian Machado Garry claims Islam Makhachev is using injury excuses to avoid defending his welterweight title following recent UFC 322 win.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 6:12 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from MMA Fighting

Welterweight Contender Challenges Champion’s Medical Inactivity Claims

The pursuit of the UFC welterweight championship has taken a contentious turn as Ian Machado Garry launches a verbal offensive against the sitting titleholder. Following rumors of a lingering hand injury that has kept Islam Makhachev out of competition since November, Garry expressed blatant skepticism regarding the champion’s status. Speaking via social media on Monday, the Irish fighter argued that the purported injury is a tactical excuse to maintain his position without the risk of competition, marking a significant escalation in the rivalry between the rising contender and the two division achiever.

Makhachev’s Path to Welterweight Gold and Subsequent Hiatus

Islam Makhachev recently solidified his status as a pound for pound elite by vacating his lightweight title to secure the 170 pound strap. His dominant decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 appeared to herald a new era of activity in the welterweight division, yet the champion has remained unbooked for upcoming major events. Despite UFC CEO Dana White citing specific hand issues as the primary reason for the delay, critics and competitors alike have noted the absence of the champion from the high profile UFC White House card scheduled for June.

Garry’s Statistical Argument for a Welterweight Title Opportunity

With a formidable 10-1 record within the promotion, Ian Machado Garry has built a compelling case for his inclusion in the title conversation. His recent campaign features significant back to back victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and highly touted contender Carlos Prates, effectively clearing his path toward the top of the rankings. Garry highlighted his own history of consistent activity, having fought six times across 2023 and 2024, to contrast what he perceives as a lack of urgency from the current champion to defend the belt.