Ian Garry Pushes for Islam Makhachev Title Shot, Says Win Would Make Him No. 1 Pound-for-Pound

The champion has not committed to a defense, leaving the title picture open heading into January.

Overview

Fresh off a unanimous decision over Belal Muhammad on Nov. 22, Ian Machado Garry moved into the welterweight top three and publicly demanded a shot at Islam Makhachev.
In a new Instagram video, Garry says beating Makhachev would make him the sport’s pound-for-pound No. 1 and insists there will be no size or weight-class excuses.
Makhachev holds the welterweight belt after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 and is riding a 16-fight UFC win streak that ties Anderson Silva’s record.
Asked about Garry, Makhachev called him an intriguing contender while also signaling interest in Kamaru Usman, and his manager says the UFC inquired about a January defense.
Multiple outlets report Makhachev did not accept a short-notice January fight and no title bout is booked, as other contenders like Michael Morales, Carlos Prates, Kamaru Usman, and the sidelined Shavkat Rakhmonov shape a crowded field.