Islam Makhachev's 'next opponent' teases blockbuster title clash and it's not Ian Garry

Islam Makhachev's 'next opponent' has teased a blockbuster UFC title clash and it's not Ian Garry despite his best efforts.

Garry has been relentlessly pushing for a UFC welterweight title shot ever since his big win over Belal Muhammad last November.

He travelled to Georgia to hone his wrestling skills in preparation for Makhachev's elite grappling skill-set.

Whilst training in Georgia, Garry claimed the Dagestan star is delaying their proposed fight and supposedly requesting more time to prepare.

"He needs more time," he says in a video uploaded on social media. "And his agent's talking out of his arse. Cause Ali's full of sh*t. I believe Islam's ready to fight. But don't call yourself the pound-for-pound greatest on the planet and try to push for more time."

Ian Garry has been calling for a UFC title shot against Islam Makhachev. Image: Getty

Garry references Makhachev's agent Ali Abdelaziz, who took to social media to rubbish suggestions his client is set to face the Irishman, teasing a 'much bigger' clash.

The 'much bigger' bout appears to be unbeaten UFC starlet Michael Morales, who has won seven fights in a row since coming through Dana White's Contender Series.

"This is, I can tell you, the UFC working on a big fight and Ian (Garry) name is not involved," Abdelaziz said on X.

"Much bigger. One of the biggest fight in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned."

Morales' social media activity appears to suggest he will be Makhachev's next dance partner given his Instagram post.

He shared an edit of him facing off with Makhachev, accompanied with a shushing emoji, a writing hand emoji and a fire emoji.

Michael Morales has teased a fight against Islam Makhachev. Image: Getty

Islam Makhachev: 'Michael Morales is more of a dangerous striking threat at welterweight than Ilia Topuria'

Undisputed UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has also been in the conversation to welcome Makhachev back to the Octagon

But Topuria, who sat out the first quarter of 2026 to deal with personal issues, is in line to face Justin Gaethje, who bagged the interim UFC lightweight title against Paddy Pimblett in January.

And Makhachev believes Morales poses more of a 'dangerous' striking threat at welterweight than Topuria.

"I think Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher," he said. "He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands. I don’t see Topuria being as dangerous at 170 as he is at 155 because the size is different, the weight is different, and the height is different."