Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev Could be Next According to Former UFC Champion

Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev could be next, according to UFC Hall of Famer and former UFC middleweight champion, Michael Bisping.

After Makhachev won the 170lbs title on a card stacked with welterweight talent at UFC 322, instantly, fans were asking what might be next for the #1 pound-for-pound fighter on the planet.

Bisping, speaking on his YouTube channel, laid out why it could be Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev next.

Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev Has Potential

Bisping’s Comments

Speaking in a recent video, Bisping discussed Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev:

“Hear me out, Ian Garry is the No. 1-ranked guy on the planet, and he’s beaten some tremendous fighters along the way. And of course, he took Shavkat Rakhmonov in a No. 1 contender matchup, took him five rounds, almost got the submission in the fifth round, and since then, he’s come back, and the man’s still fighting. Last time out, he took out Belal Muhammad, who is the former champion. Before that, he took out Carlos Prates, one of the biggest and hottest names right now in the welterweight division.”

He justified his comments by explaining that Ian Garry has taken to social media to state that he has started camp. As of yet, we don’t know who the opponent is going to be, but Bisping stated the obvious, that “it’s going to be someone good, it’s got to be someone highly ranked, he is one of the top welterweights on the roster”.

Does it have to be Garry?

Although Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev makes a lot of sense, will capture the imagination of fans and reinvigorate the Ireland vs Russia rivalry within the world of MMA, Garry isn’t the only option for the champion.

Kamaru Usman has been extremely vocal in his bid to gain a title shot, and it appears that the UFC are listening. The Nigerian Nightmare is ranked #7 in the division; however, there are names above him that are currently not booked, on winning runs and are legitimate finishers.

One of those men is Carlos Prates. The Brazilian is on a two-fight knockout streak, finishing Geoff Neal and, most recently, former champion Leon Edwards. The one key thing working against Prates is that he has a loss on his record to Ian Garry in April of last year.

The other man who could potentially be next for Makhachev is Michael Morales. The 26-year-old is undefeated at 19-0, holds 15 finishes and is improving fight on fight. He’s notched three performances of the night bonuses on the bounce in his most recent three fights and is one of the most exciting fighters at 170lbs.

What do you want to see next? Ian Garry vs Islam Makhachev? The champion vs Prates? Or could it be the undefeated Morales? Let us know in the comments.