Ian Machado Garry claims Islam Makhachev is ‘faking’ a hand injury that postpones potential UFC title fight

UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry believes Islam Makhachev is intentionally delaying a potential title fight.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev was pitched as a potential headliner for the upcoming White House card, opposite the likes of Ilia Topuria or Kamaru Usman. But Makhachev continues to recover from a hand injury suffered shortly after his fight with Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last year.

Makhachev is still anticipating a return to the Octagon sometime this summer, despite an uncertain medical clearance timeline. After a fight with Kamaru Usman was shut down by UFC matchmakers, according to Usman, the door is open to Ian Machado Garry and others to contend for the title.

Despite Makhachev’s ongoing hiatus, Garry believes the UFC welterweight champion is intentionally avoiding defending his title, and his injury is an excuse to delay a return.

Ian Machado Garry questions Islam Makhachev’s ongoing hiatus due to injury

In a recent post to Instagram, Garry reacted to Makhachev’s rumored injury that is postponing his return to the Octagon.

 

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A post shared by ‘The Future’ Ian Machado Garry (@iangarry)

“Islam? I heard that too, but I don’t believe it,” Garry said of Makhachev.

“I don’t know what to believe. I can’t imagine he hurt his hand in the last fight with Jack, so maybe horse riding? I think it’s excuses. He doesn’t want to fight. Mentally, physically, whatever it is, he’s doing the typical thing that all champions do when they get the belt.

“They try and maintain their position, relevancy, by not fighting and not staying active,” Garry continued. “When I fight him, that all changes.”

Garry made a strong case for a welterweight title shot by outpointing former titleholder Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar last year. Despite previously admitting admiration for Makhachev’s accomplishments, Garry turned into a welterweight heel quickly as he moved closer to a title fight opportunity.

Who do you want Islam Makhachev to fight next? Let us know in the comments!