Negotiations are underway for a lightweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Garry, according to journalist Alvaro Colmenero. Michael Morales will definitively not be Makhachev's next opponent. The bout is tentatively planned for UFC 330 in Philadelphia, though it could also take place during the international fight week in July. This represents a significant jump in competition for welterweight contender Garry if he moves up to challenge for the 155-pound title. The fight would mark Makhachev's next title defense as the reigning lightweight champion.
The UFC is in early negotiations for a cross-divisional title bout between lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and welterweight contender Ian Garry, according to journalist Alvaro Colmenero. The fight is tentatively targeted for UFC 330 in Philadelphia, though the international fight week in July has also been floated as a possible landing spot. Nothing is officially confirmed at this stage.
Makhachev, 34, enters these reported talks as one of the sport's premier champions, carrying a 28-1-0 record and holding the number-one pound-for-pound ranking. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA is a technically complete fighter, averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing 58 percent of his significant strikes — elite marks by any measure. The fight would represent his next lightweight title defense.
Also ruled out as a challenger, per the same report, is undefeated welterweight contender Michael Morales. The 27-year-old Ecuadorian sits at number two in the welterweight division with a perfect 19-0-0 record and a punishing offensive output of 5.62 significant strikes per minute. Morales had been discussed in connection with Makhachev, but that pairing has definitively fallen through.
Garry, the would-be challenger, competes at 170 pounds, making this a significant weight-class leap if the bout materializes. Moving up to contest the 155-pound title is an unusual path for a welterweight contender.
Why it matters
- A welterweight challenging for the lightweight title is a rare and high-profile crossover event
- Makhachev's next title defense has been left open after Morales was removed from consideration
- The reported UFC 330 or international fight week timeline suggests the promotion wants Makhachev active in mid-2026
- Because the report is unconfirmed, the matchup could still change significantly before any official announcement
