Garry targets unbeaten Morales as his path back to the UFC welterweight title

Ian Garry is plotting a calculated route back to the UFC welterweight title, and it runs through unbeaten Ecuadorian contender Michael Morales. The Irishman lost to reigning champion Islam Makhachev via unanimous decision at UFC 330 in August and has since dismissed any notion of an immediate rematch, insisting his case for a second title shot must be built on undeniable evidence.

“For me, there’s only one fight that makes sense right now,” Garry told Eze Talks Sports. “That’s Michael Morales. When I beat him, I’m the only one who deserves a title shot, even though me and Islam have just fought.”

Morales remains undefeated at 170 pounds, and Garry believes becoming the first fighter to hand him a loss would serve as the definitive statement needed to force the UFC’s hand on a title rematch. The logic is straightforward: beat the man nobody else has beaten, and the argument for another shot at the belt becomes impossible to ignore.

The timing of Garry’s call-out is also shaped by what is happening at the top of the division. Carlos Prates — whose only UFC defeat came against Garry — is widely expected to be Makhachev’s next challenger for the welterweight belt. That sets up a scenario Garry finds compelling regardless of the outcome.

“Whether Islam wins, whether Carlos Prates wins the next fight, it’s two massive rematches,” Garry added. “If I go out there and finish Michael Morales and get my hand raised, it’s undeniable that I’m back up there for a title shot. That’s what I think needs to be next.”

For Garry, the path is clear: a statement win over Morales, then a rematch with whoever holds the belt when the dust settles on Makhachev vs. Prates. Whether the UFC matchmakers see it the same way remains to be seen.