Negotiations underway for Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry title defense

According to journalist Alvaro Colmenero, negotiations are currently ongoing for a fight between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and welterweight contender Ian Garry. Michael Morales has been definitively ruled out as Makhachev's next opponent. The proposed title defense is tentatively scheduled for UFC 330 in Philadelphia, though the bout could alternatively take place during an international fight week in July. No official announcement has been made regarding the finalization of this matchup.