Story byPhoto by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCJordan EllisMon, March 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM UTC·2 min readIslam Makhachev’s manager has hinted that the lightweight champion’s next fight could be one of the most high-profile matchups in MMA history. The UFC welterweight titleholder had been linked to a clash with Ian Machado Garry, who was thought to be in line for his first defence at 170 pounds. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut the manager Ali Abdelaziz has poured cold water on those rumours, insisting that ‘The Future’ is not in the frame for Makhachev’s next bout. Ali Abdelaziz: UFC building huge bout for Islam MakhachevPhoto by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCMachado Garry took to social media on Monday morning, claiming that the Dagestani star was stalling their potential matchup. The welterweight contender posted on Instagram: “I’m ready… He needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time.”Later in the day, Abdelaziz responded with an update, posting on X that a fight between Makhachev and Garry is not happening next, suggesting something bigger is in the works. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“This is, I can tell you, the UFC is working on a big fight for Islam Makhachev, and Ian’s name is not involved.“Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make.