Top UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has raised doubts about Islam Makhachev’s recent hand injury. The injury reportedly prevented a planned fight with Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House event.
However, Machado Garry believes the injury may be an excuse to avoid fighting and stay inactive as champion.
“Yeah I heard that too (that he has a hand injury), but I don’t believe it,” Machado Garry said on Instagram.
“I don’t know, I don’t know what to believe. I can’t imagine he hurt his hand in the last fight with Jack Della Maddalena so maybe he did it in horse riding? I don’t know. But I don’t believe it.”
Champion’s Inactivity
Makhachev has been criticized in recent years for fighting infrequently. He competed only once in 2024 and twice in 2025. Machado Garry feels this inactivity is a way for the champion to maintain relevance without taking risks in the octagon.
“I think it’s excuses. Everything about me now tells me he just doesn’t want to fight me, he doesn’t want to fight, I don’t know if it’s mentally or physically, whatever it is, but yeah,” Machado Garry added.
“He’s doing the typical thing that all champions do when they get the belt. He’s trying to maintain his position, maintain relevancy by not fighting and staying inactive. When I fight, that all changes.”
Machado Garry, currently ranked number two in the UFC welterweight division, remains ready for a title fight. But the champion’s next move is uncertain.
Michael Morales is also in line for a possible title shot, showing that several fighters are waiting for Makhachev to decide who he will face next.
Makhachev reportedly wanted to fight Kamaru Usman, but UFC officials did not approve that matchup at this time.
The Irish fighter’s comments reflect frustration among top contenders about long periods of inactivity from champions. Machado Garry is confident that when he gets his chance, he will change the status quo in the welterweight division.
