Ian Garry says Islam Makhachev declined a formal offer to fight him in May at UFC 328. Garry also claims the UFC attempted to book Makhachev against Ilia Topuria at the White House, but that Makhachev turned down that opportunity as well.
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has reportedly turned down not one but two separate fight offers in recent months, according to claims made by Ian Garry — though neither the UFC nor Makhachev's camp has officially confirmed the account.
Garry says he was formally offered a bout against Makhachev in May at UFC 328, and that the champion declined. The Irishman also claims the promotion attempted to arrange a high-profile matchup between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria at a White House event, and that Makhachev turned that opportunity down as well.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop the welterweight division while also ranking among the very best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. The Russian southpaw, who trains with Eagles MMA, is a technically dominant grappler averaging 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy of 58 percent is among the highest in the game.
Topuria, ranked number one pound-for-pound and second in the lightweight division, carries a 17-1-0 record and represents perhaps the most dangerous stylistic challenge available. The 29-year-old Spaniard fighting out of Climent Club lands 4.81 significant strikes per minute and has shown a well-rounded offensive game that mixes sharp hands with consistent wrestling at 1.96 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A Makhachev vs. Topuria crossover matchup would pit the top two pound-for-pound fighters against each other, with massive divisional and legacy implications.
- Garry's claim, if accurate, raises questions about Makhachev's willingness to engage with the division's most compelling opponents.
- Because these reports come from Garry himself and remain unconfirmed, the full picture of any negotiations is still unclear.
