Islam Makhachev is not confirming an Ian Machado Garry title fight yet, but the UFC welterweight champion just put August on the table.
Makhachev has been linked to a possible title defense against Garry at UFC 330, and his latest answer pushed that talk forward. After weeks of Makhachev-Garry contract chatter, the champion said his next camp is already coming.
“Right after here I’m going to the camp,” Makhachev said. “I don’t know [when]. August, I will be ready. A lot of contenders, but number one is the young [Ian] Garry. And we still have a couple more who want to take the belt, but I don’t give [to] no one.”
Watch the clip below:
Islam Makhachev hints at an August return and a potential showdown with Ian Garry 👀 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nuW2PI6gug
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) May 31, 2026
Makhachev is 28-1 and has already gone from lightweight champion to welterweight champion. He won the 170-pound belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025, adding a second UFC title after a lightweight run built on pressure, grappling control, and long winning streaks.
Garry is 17-1, a former Cage Warriors welterweight champion, and one of the top names in the UFC welterweight chase. His only pro loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov, and he moved back into the title picture with a decision win over Carlos Prates. If the UFC wants a fresh first defense for Makhachev at 170, Garry is the most direct option on the board.
Makhachev Also Gives His Read On McGregor-Holloway And Topuria-Gaethje
Makhachev also addressed Conor McGregor’s planned UFC 329 return against Max Holloway. He kept it short and picked Holloway as the tougher side of that matchup.
“Yeah, it’s good. It’s good. Big name for our sport,” Makhachev said. “But he have tough opponent. Max Holloway against Conor McGregor. I think Max can beat him.”
Makhachev also gave Justin Gaethje respect while leaning toward Ilia Topuria as the fresher force at lightweight.
“Topuria is a new generation,” Makhachev said. “But Gaethje — I still believe Gaethje can do some things, but he’s a little bit old right now. He’s a good fighter, legend. He showed us very good, many many fights. But now I think is the Topuria time for lightweight.”
Garry remains the main name attached to Makhachev’s next title defense. The UFC has not announced the fight, but Makhachev naming him first and pointing to August keeps the matchup firmly in play.
If it happens, Garry gets his first UFC title shot and Makhachev gets his first welterweight title defense against a natural 170-pound contender.
