Overview
- Ian Machado Garry’s coach Diego Lima argued Garry is the logical challenger, citing recent wins, marketability, and questioning a Kamaru Usman bid tied to shared management with Islam Makhachev.
- Garry posted his own matchmaking slate on Instagram, pairing Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales and Jack Della Maddalena vs. Kamaru Usman, before declaring himself next for the title.
- Michael Morales fired back on social media telling Garry to “suck it,” insisting the belt is his after a 19-0 start capped by a UFC 322 knockout of Sean Brady.
- Joaquin Buckley chastised the division’s inactivity, noting no top-10 bookings since Makhachev won the belt, and called for a bout with former champion Jack Della Maddalena.
- Shavkat Rakhmonov’s renewed knee issues and removal from the rankings have thinned immediate options, and the UFC has yet to announce a date or opponent for Makhachev’s first defense.