UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has shut down suggestions that his fighter will make his first defense against the second-ranked Ian Machado Garry, as he suggested a bigger fight.
Makhachev, who became the 11th two-division champion in history by dethroning Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November, has been linked with a fight on the UFC White House card on June 14. Speculation is mounting that former champion Kamaru Usman is the frontrunner. Usman, who is also managed by Abdelaziz, recently got back to winning ways with a victory over Joaquin Buckley.
Meanwhile, a fight against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has also been talked up with Makhachev saying he would defend his title against any top contender the UFC puts in front of him. However, according to Ali. it now looks like Machhado Garry may not be one of the top contenders in the running. Garry has responded, accusing Makhachev of “stalling.”
“This is, I can tell you, the UFC working on a big fight and Ian (Garry) name is not involved. Much bigger. One of the biggest fight in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned,” Abdelaziz said
“I’m ready… he needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound for pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time,” Machado Garry stated