Islam Makhachev responds to Ian Machado Garry and awaits UFC fight call

Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Islam Makhachev responds to Ian Machado Garry and awaits UFC fight call

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 10:08 AM ET

Islam Makhachev says he’s just waiting for the call to confirm his next bout.

Dana White had hinted that August could mark Makhachev’s return to action, with the announcement of UFC 330 adding weight to those expectations.

Over recent months, the UFC president has explained that Makhachev was recovering from an injury, which is why he’d been absent from competition.

Makhachev appeared to challenge that narrative by suggesting a July comeback was possible, prompting a response from one of his welterweight rivals.

Islam Makhachev says he’s waiting for the UFC to send him a contract for his next fight

Ian Machado Garry has questioned whether Islam Makhachev is actually injured for some time as he targets his first welterweight title shot.

In a recent post from the Irishman, he called the Russian out for his recent July tease, claiming that the champion turned a fight with him down in May.

Makhachev responded by suggesting that he’s good to go whenever the UFC calls him after Machado Garry said “we’re all waiting on you princess”.

“Don’t worry about my injuries,” Makhachev wrote on X. “I’m ready at any time. I’m waiting for the contract.”

Many have had Machado Garry as the frontrunner to receive the next welterweight title shot for some time, though he’s not the only name in the mix.

Undefeated contender Michael Morales recently teased that he’s got news after meeting with Hunter Campbell at the UFC headquarters.

UFC 329 on International Fight Week has been rumored to feature the return of Conor McGregor, which would rule out chances of another high-profile title fight taking place on the same card.

Whether or not ‘The Notorious’ comes back may depend on when Makhachev vs Machado Garry takes place.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: