Ian Garry has stated that Islam Makhachev declined a formal offer to fight him in May at UFC 328. Garry also claims the UFC attempted to arrange a bout between Makhachev and Ilia Topuria at the White House, and that Makhachev turned down that proposal as well.
Reports emerged on June 22 that Islam Makhachev has turned down multiple fight opportunities, according to claims made by welterweight contender Ian Garry — though none of these assertions have been officially confirmed by the UFC or Makhachev's camp.
Garry stated that he received a formal offer to face Makhachev at UFC 328 in May, and that the reigning welterweight champion declined. Garry further alleged that the promotion attempted to book Makhachev against Ilia Topuria at a high-profile White House event, and that Makhachev turned that proposal down as well.
Makhachev, 34, holds a 28-1-0 record and currently sits atop the welterweight division as champion, while also ranking as a pound-for-pound contender. The Russian southpaw out of Eagles MMA averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the most technically complete fighters in the sport.
Topuria, ranked second in the lightweight division and first in the pound-for-pound rankings, carries a 17-1-0 record at just 29 years old. The Spain-based orthodox striker known as El Matador is exceptionally active on the feet, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute. A potential matchup between Topuria and Makhachev would represent a collision of the two top pound-for-pound fighters currently operating in the UFC.
Why it matters
- Makhachev is welterweight champion and a top pound-for-pound name, so any reluctance to engage with available challengers draws scrutiny
- Topuria's pound-for-pound ranking and striking output make him among the most dangerous potential opponents in a crossover matchup
- Garry's claims remain unverified, and the UFC has not confirmed any of the reported offers or negotiations
- If accurate, the rejections raise questions about the direction of Makhachev's title reign heading into the second half of 2026
