UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev didn\u2019t take kindly to Ian Machado Garry\u2019s latest claim that he\u2019s faking injuries to avoid a fight.<\/p>\n
Islam Makhachev made headlines earlier this week when he teased a potential UFC return in July, likely for the upcoming UFC 329 card during International Fight Week. As of this writing, the full UFC 329 card hasn\u2019t been announced, although Conor McGregor has long been rumored to fight in the main event slot.<\/p>\n
Makhachev hasn\u2019t defended the welterweight title since winning it against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last year. He was briefly linked to a super fight against Ilia Topuria<\/a> at UFC Freedom 250, before all sides couldn\u2019t come to terms on a last-second deal.<\/p>\n Makhachev\u2019s delayed return timeline was due to a rumored hand injury suffered in the Maddalena fight. Top contender Ian Machado Garry, who makes a strong case for a shot at Makhachev, has questioned Makhachev\u2019s health status and believes he\u2019s \u2018faking\u2019 the injury<\/a>.<\/p>\n After Makhachev\u2019s latest July fight tease, it didn\u2019t take long for Garry to weigh in.<\/p>\n Islam Makhachev, Ian Machado Garry spar as potential UFC 329 announcement looms<\/p>\n In a recent Instagram<\/a> comment, Garry appeared to respond to Makhachev\u2019s latest fight tease.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst you say you have a hand injury, Dana said August, you\u2019re saying July,\u201d Garry said to Makhachev.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been ready since you last turned me down in May. We\u2019re all waiting on you princess.\u201d<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long for Makhachev to take notice of Garry\u2019s comments, as he responded in a recent X<\/a> post.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry about my injuries,\u201d Makhachev responded to Garry.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m ready at any time. I\u2019m waiting for the contract.\u201d<\/p>\n Garry, Michael Morales, and the winner of Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates all make compelling cases for a fight with Makhachev. Morales finished Sean Brady at UFC 322 last year and is unbeaten in his promotional tenure.<\/p>\n But the heat is ramping up between Makhachev and Garry, and the matchmakers could be days away from announcing UFC 329 and Makhachev\u2019s next fight.<\/p>\n What is your prediction for a potential Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry fight? Let us know in the comments!<\/p>\n