Ian Machado Garry wants Michael Morales after Islam Makhachev loss
The former UFC title challenger believes a win over the undefeated contender would put him back in title contention.
After suffering a unanimous decision loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, Ian Machado Garry already has his next opponent in mind. The Irish welterweight wants to face Michael Morales when he returns to the Octagon, and he believes a win over the Ecuadorian could put him right back in title contention.
Ian Machado Garry Targets Michael Morales Next
Garry suffered a unanimous decision loss to Makhachev at UFC 330 in August, falling short in his bid to become the UFC welterweight champion. The 28-year-old Irish fighter had previously won his last two fights against Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision.
Morales, meanwhile, remains undefeated in his professional career with a 19-0 record and has won his last three fights by TKO. The Ecuadorian fighter last stepped inside the Octagon in November 2025, when he defeated Sean Brady, and is also looking for another opportunity at the top of the welterweight division.
Speaking to Eze Talks Sports, Garry stated that he believes a fight between the two is the right matchup for his return and that a victory could earn him another title shot.
"That's Michael Morales," Garry said. "When I beat him, I'm the only one who deserves a title shot, even though me and Islam have just fought. Whether Islam wins, whether Carlos Prates wins the next fight, it's two massive rematches. If I go out there and finish Michael Morales and get my hand raised, it's undeniable that I'm back up there for a title shot. That's what I think needs to be next."
Morales was in attendance for Garry's fight against Makhachev at UFC 330, and the two fighters had a verbal confrontation backstage after the event. The Ecuadorian has previously spoken about his bad blood with Garry. It remains to be seen if the UFC will book this fight.
