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Ian Machado Garry Targets UFC Return After Title Loss, Clashes With Morales

2026-10-20 · Ian Machado Garry · Player Focus

Ian Machado Garry is set to return to the Octagon before the close of 2026, aiming to rebound from his unsuccessful welterweight title challenge last August.

The Road Back From UFC 330

Garry's last fight was a unanimous decision loss to champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August. The bout drew criticism from UFC president Dana White, who pointed to a lack of action from the Irish contender. That defeat marked just the second loss of Garry's professional MMA career. Now, with a fight booked for the final weeks of the year, the 27-year-old has a direct path to erase that memory and restart his climb up the rankings.

The Shifting Title Picture at 170 Pounds

While Garry plots his comeback, the champion he failed to dethrone is moving on. Makhachev is reportedly close to booking his next title defense against Brazilian striker Carlos Prates. The fight is expected to headline UFC 336 on January 30, 2027, in Toronto. Makhachev had stated his intention to fight before the start of Ramadan in February, telling media after the Garry fight, "I have to fight as soon as possible." This timeline effectively freezes the immediate title scene, leaving other top contenders like Garry to jockey for position in the new year.

A War of Words for Contender Status

With the champion occupied, a public dispute has erupted over who deserves the next shot. Garry and undefeated contender Michael Morales have exchanged messages on Instagram, each making a case to face Makhachev. Morales is on a formidable 19-fight winning streak, with 14 of those wins coming by knockout. Garry, despite his recent setback, remains a highly-ranked former title challenger. Their online spat suggests both men view a potential matchup between themselves as a de facto title eliminator while they await the outcome of Makhachev vs. Prates.

Key Welterweight Contender Metrics

FighterLast Fight (UFC 330)Win StreakNotable Stat
Islam MakhachevDef. Ian Machado Garry (UD)2 at WelterweightDefending champion
Ian Machado GarryLoss to Makhachev (UD)0Former title challenger
Michael MoralesN/A (Last fought earlier in 2026)19 fights79% finishing rate

Garry's immediate focus, however, is on the opponent in front of him later this year. A victory would be essential to stay in the conversation with Morales and other rising threats. The welterweight division remains one of the UFC's most talent-stacked, and Garry's planned return is the first step in a crowded race back to the top.

  • Ian Machado Garry is scheduled to fight again in the UFC before the end of 2026.
  • He is coming off a unanimous decision loss to champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August.
  • Makhachev is now targeted to defend his belt against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 on January 30.
  • Garry has publicly clashed with contender Michael Morales, who has a 19-fight win streak, over future title shot claims.

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