Ian Garry accuses Islam Makhachev of lying about his injury and demands an explanation from the UFC champion: 'Just excuses'

Garry promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/IanGarry

With only one defeat in his entire professional career and currently ranked second in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Ian Garry is one of the most highly rated contenders to take on the number one contender spot against Islam Makhachev . However, the Irishman doesn't seem convinced that the current champion of the category is willing to test his strength against him. In a video posted on his Instagram last Sunday (15), the athlete scoffed at the delay in making the fight official.

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In a conversation while driving, Futuro expressed disbelief at Makachev's hand injury, recently announced by Dana White. According to him, it's unlikely that something like that could have happened while the fighter wasn't in a training camp.

“I also heard that (about the injury), but I don’t believe it. I don’t know what to believe. I can’t imagine he hurt his hand in the last fight with Jack – maybe it was while riding a horse? I think it’s just excuses. Everything about him now tells me that Islam doesn’t want to fight me. He’s doing what all champions do when they win the belt,” he stated.

Ian Garry says he doesn't believe Islam Makhachev hurt his hand and thinks it's just excuses 👀🤔

"I heard that too, but I don't believe it. I don't know what to believe. I can't imagine he hurt his hand in the last fight with Jack – maybe he did it while horse riding? I think… pic.twitter.com/XyY90paxZY

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 16, 2026

Ian Garry has begun specific training to face Islam Makhachev.

Ian Garry has been training in Georgia. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

The decision regarding the first challenger for Islam Makhachev 's belt seemed close to being made a few weeks ago. At the time, Gary had landed in Georgia to hone his grappling skills, an old promise the Irishman had said he would fulfill once the fight against the Russian was official. Subsequently, Michael Morales also became a vocal figure in the media about his desire to compete for the title.

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