Ian Machado Garry catches out Islam Makhachev amid ongoing fight talks: ‘See you in August’

Ian Machado Garry may have outwitted Islam Makhachev after the 170lb champion made a rare social media statement overnight.

Top welterweight contender Garry has been angling for a shot at Makhachev for the best part of a year after defeating Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad in 2025. However, he appears to be no closer to the fight than he ever has been – even after the champion was left off the UFC White House card.

Yesterday, Makhachev claimed that Ilia Topuria ‘pulled out’ of a super-fight that would have headlined the historic show. But Garry noted that if that is true, then it would mean that the alleged injury that he is nursing would be okay within a matter of weeks.

Islam Makhachev caught out by Ian Machado Garry in social media row

It has been well established that Islam Makhachev is expecting to return to the octagon later this summer. However, he is supposed to be dealing with a hand injury that is precluding him from fighting in June.

But if his statement about Ilia Topuria is true, then it would appear that he would be able to compete as soon as June. That’s what Ian Machado Garry took away from his viral X post last night, which was viewed over 3.2 million times.

“I’m tired of hearing made-up stories from Topuria and his team,” Makhachev wrote. “I got the call and accepted the fight at the White House. The next day, I was told he asked for an unrealistic purse.

“The UFC declined, and he pulled out. That’s it nothing more to it. Even his manager confirmed it. Ilia, stop talking. Every interview you give tells a different story. You pulled out, and you know it.”

Garry took to social media to catch out Makhachev, writing in his own X post: “So your hand is fine then? No more excuses see you August.” The Irishman is currently ranked at number two in the welterweight division behind only former champion Jack Della Maddalena who Makhachev dethroned in November.