Garry and Morales agree to November bout after public spat over UFC avoidance claims

Ian Garry and Michael Morales have agreed to fight on November 28 in Saudi Arabia after a public back-and-forth in which Garry accused the unbeaten Ecuadorian of avoiding him — only for Morales to share the DM exchange that sealed the matchup.

Garry, who lost his first UFC title shot to welterweight champion Islam Makhachev by decision at UFC 330, opened the exchange by questioning why Morales was available to serve as a backup for a world title fight but not to face him directly. “I wanna fight before the end of the year and I’m being told you’re not available,” Garry wrote. “You were able to be the back up for the world title fight but not able to take a fight with me now? You’ve also asked to be a back up for the next title fight, but still not available to fight with me? Looks like someone is avoiding me. Talk all that sh*t online then don’t agree to fight? What’s going on here?”

Morales was quick to dismiss the accusation. “My son, what are you talking about? I fight whenever you want — I just want a contract and that’s it, I’ll kick your *ss,” he replied. Garry wasted little time: “Saudi, Nov. 28. Let’s do it.” Morales accepted.

The agreement between the fighters still requires the UFC to formally sanction the bout, and it remains unclear whether the promotion will move forward with the pairing. Should it be confirmed, the stakes are considerable. Carlos Prates is currently regarded as the frontrunner to challenge Makhachev next, meaning a Garry victory over the undefeated Morales would position the Irishman as a serious contender for the belt he narrowly missed earlier this year.

Morales has yet to lose as a professional, making him one of the most closely watched prospects in the welterweight division. For Garry, the fight represents a chance to reassert himself at the top of the 170-pound rankings after his defeat to Makhachev.