Islam Makhachev snubs Ian Machado Garry as he shares ‘most interesting’ next title shot

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev could allow a rising contender to skip the line for a title shot in his return to the cage.

Rising UFC welterweight contender Carlos Prates made an intriguing case for a title shot with a brutal finish of Jack Della Maddalena last weekend at UFC Perth. After Makhachev won the belt in November at UFC 322, several top names made cases for the next shot at the belt, including former Prates foe Ian Machado Garry.

Makhachev and Garry have traded barbs in recent months over the UFC welterweight champion’s ongoing hiatus from competition. Despite rumors that Makhachev suffered a hand injury earlier this year, Garry accused Makhachev of ‘faking’ the injury to avoid a potential fight.

In addition to Garry and Prates, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has also been linked to a potential fight with Makhachev, after their briefly-targeted White House showdown fell through the cracks. But Makhachev believes one star stands above the rest in discussing the next welterweight title shot.

Islam Makhachev picks Carlos Prates over Ian Machado Garry for title shot

In a recent interview with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev was asked for an update about his next fight, and dismissed rumors of Garry getting the next title shot.

“The UFC hasn’t informed me about it yet but there’s been a lot of rumors about me fighting Ian [Machado] Garry next. I haven’t talked with any [UFC] officials about this fight so I can’t tell for sure who is the next contender,” Makhachev said.

“I’ve got 3-4 more possible matchups. Kamaru Usman is also up there. Ian Garry, [Michael] Morales, Prates. Four of them, plus Shavkat [Rakhmonov], might be number five. They’re all expecting a title shot.

“But I think [Carlos Prates] has the hype now. He’s talked about much more now.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

Prates called out Makhachev inside the Octagon after his win last weekend. After a close loss to Garry at UFC Kansas City last year, Prates has won three consecutive fights, including knockouts of Leon Edwards and Geoff Neal.

Who deserves to fight Islam Makhachev next? Let us know in the comments!