Garry targets undefeated Morales as his route back to the welterweight title

Ian Machado Garry has identified undefeated welterweight contender Michael Morales as the only fight that makes sense for him right now, with the Irishman targeting a swift return to title contention after his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

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

Garry’s logic is straightforward: with Makhachev likely to face Carlos Prates next — the Brazilian having rebounded from his defeat to Garry at UFC Kansas City with three straight knockout wins, including victories over former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards — the welterweight title picture is crowded. A dominant finish of Morales, Garry argues, would cut through the noise.

“Whether Islam wins, whether Carlos Prates wins the next fight, it’s two massive rematches,” Garry said. “So I go out there and I finish Michael Morales, get my hand raised, it’s undeniable that I’m right back up there for the title shot.”

Morales, 19-0 with a 7-0 UFC record, has not competed since a first-round knockout of Sean Brady last November and had himself been linked to a Makhachev title shot. Garry acknowledged the Ecuadorian’s credentials while making clear he holds no fear of the matchup.

“He’s long, he’s tall, he’s confident, and he should be,” Garry said. “I think it’s a phenomenal fight. Two of the best strikers on the planet going head to head, with the task being fighting the best in the world, going again for that belt. It’s a tough matchup, it’s a very dangerous matchup.”

Garry’s only two professional losses have come against Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov, the latter of whom remains undefeated but has been sidelined with injuries for nearly two years since their bout. The Makhachev defeat drew scrutiny — UFC CEO Dana White publicly criticised Garry for clinching during the fight — though Garry himself viewed the contest as closer than the unanimous decision suggested.

“I scored the fight 3-2 to him,” Garry said. “I think it was 2-2 going into the final round and he managed to finish the round on my back, therefore he has to win the fight.” Garry added that he looks forward to sharing the octagon with Makhachev again should the opportunity arise.