Ian Garry says Islam Makhachev declined a formal offer to fight him in May at UFC 328. Garry also claims the UFC attempted to arrange a Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria bout at the White House, which Makhachev reportedly turned down as well.
Ian Garry is claiming that lightweight and welterweight champion Islam Makhachev turned down a formal offer to fight him at UFC 328 in May, a report that has not been officially confirmed by the UFC or Makhachev's camp.
Garry, who is pursuing a title shot in the welterweight division, also alleged that the UFC separately attempted to arrange a bout between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria at the White House, a matchup Makhachev reportedly declined as well. Neither claim has been independently verified.
Makhachev, 34, carries a 28-1 record and currently holds champion status while competing at welterweight. The Russian fighter, who trains out of Eagles MMA, is a southpaw standing 178 cm with a 70-inch reach. He lands 2.63 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate and adds consistent wrestling pressure at 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport.
Topuria, the pound-for-pound number-one ranked fighter at just 29 years old, holds a 17-1 record and is currently ranked second in the lightweight division. Fighting out of Spain under the nickname El Matador, the Orthodox striker is one of the most active on the feet in the sport, landing 4.81 significant strikes per minute. He stands 170 cm with a 69-inch reach and competes out of Climent Club.
Why it matters
- Makhachev vs. Garry would represent a cross-divisional title challenge with major welterweight implications
- A potential Makhachev vs. Topuria superfight would pit the pound-for-pound number one against the man immediately behind him on those same rankings
- If either report is accurate, Makhachev's alleged reluctance could reshape the title picture across two divisions
