Despite losing against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 Ian Machado Garry is already plotting his route back into title contention.
Machado Garry had his first shot at UFC gold at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in August, taking on pound-for-pound king Makhachev with the welterweight title on the line.
While Makhachev would ultimately emerge victorious via unanimous decision at UFC 330, Machado Garry enjoyed his share of success over the course of the 25-minute main event and outlanded the champion in terms of significant strikes.
In the wake of just his second defeat since turning professional in 2019 the 28-year-old insisted that he wants to reassert himself against the very best the UFC has to offer at 170lbs.
Speaking in the wake of his compatriot Katie Taylor's boxing farewell this weekend, Machado Garry called for a showdown with undefeated welterweight contender Michael Morales.
"There's only one fight that makes sense right now and that's Michael Morales," Machado Garry told DAZN.
"When I beat him I'm the only one who deserves a title shot. Even though me and Islam [Makhachev] have just fought, whether Islam wins, whether Carlos Prates wins it's two massive rematches.
"I go out there and finish Michael Morales and get my hand raised it's undeniable that I'm right back up there for a title shot, so that's what I think needs to be next."
In beating Machado Garry last month Makhachev surpassed Anderson Silva's long-standing UFC record for the most consecutive victories in the promotion with 17.
The two-weight world champion is expected to make the next defence of his welterweight belt against surging contender Carlos Prates, with the pair reportedly in talks to meet before the end of 2026.
Prates' only defeat since signing with the UFC came at the hands of Machado Garry in 2025, with the Irishman weathering a late storm to get the win on the judges' scorecards.
