Ian Machado Garry Set For Quick Return After Title Loss, Announcement Imminent

Ian Machado Garry is not sitting on his first UFC title fight defeat. The Irish welterweight is set to return to the Octagon before the end of the year, with an official announcement expected soon.

This swift comeback follows his unsuccessful bid for the welterweight championship against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August. While Garry prepares to re-enter the fray, the division's champion faces his own scheduling hurdles, creating a fluid landscape at the top of the 170-pound weight class.

Veteran MMA reporter Ariel Helwani provided a clear update on Garry's timeline. He stated that "The Future" will be back in action "in about a month." This means fans can expect to see the 28-year-old Irishman compete again before 2026 concludes.

Helwani ruled out a matchup with the surging Mike Malott, who recently scored a knockout win in Canada. The specific opponent for Garry's return bout has not been named, but the promotion is seemingly moving quickly to re-book him. This aligns with UFC President Dana White's previous comments about Garry needing to answer criticisms following his title fight performance.

The man who defeated Garry, champion Islam Makhachev, is also in the news. His planned title defense against top contender Carlos Prates, initially rumored for UFC 336 in January 2027, has been postponed. Makhachev's manager confirmed the fight "isn't close" to being finalized.

This delay is partly due to Makhachev's typical competition schedule around Ramadan. The soonest he could realistically return is now February, before a potential extended break. His last fight was the successful title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. With the champion sidelined, there is now speculation about whether the UFC will book an interim title fight for Carlos Prates in the meantime.

The delay at the top creates opportunity beneath it. Mike Malott's impressive knockout streak has inserted him into the contender conversation, though he is not next for Garry. The entire 170-pound division is in a holding pattern waiting for clarity on Makhachev's return date.

For Ian Machado Garry, a decisive win in his upcoming fight is essential. It would immediately re-establish him in the crowded title picture and help erase the memory of his August loss. His quick turnaround shows a clear intent to climb back into contention without delay.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Ian Machado Garry is scheduled to fight again in late 2026. Champion Islam Makhachev's next title defense is delayed, possibly until early 2027. The welterweight division is awaiting key bookings that will shape the title trajectory for next year.