Ian Machado Garry to fight again in 2026 after Islam Makhachev loss, says Helwani

Ireland's Ian Machado Garry will compete again before the end of the year, according to Ariel Helwani, who ruled out Canadian knockout artist Mike Malott as his next opponent.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Mon 19 Oct, 22:13 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Ian Machado Garry will return to the Octagon before the end of 2026, Ariel Helwani has said, only months after the Irish welterweight's title defeat by Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August.

Helwani gave the update while discussing the 170lb division, and ruled out a meeting with Mike Malott. Malott knocked out Joaquin Buckley at UFC Edmonton on Saturday for his fifth straight knockout win, which had raised the question of who the Canadian fights next.

The loss to Makhachev was only the second of Machado Garry's career, and it drew criticism from UFC chief executive Dana White. A quick return gives the Irishman a chance to push his name back into the title picture.

Machado Garry has been linked in recent weeks with Michael Morales. However, the Ecuadorian has talked about returning in January, and Helwani told Malott on his show that the Canadian should be the one to face Morales when the UFC returns to Canada early next year.

Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has not fought for a long time, had been the intended opponent for Morales. Helwani doubted that fight could be ready for January. He said: “He’s [Morales] looking for an opponent, it’s probably not gonna be Shavkat. That’s who they wanted, he’s probably not going to be ready.”

In this story

Ian Machado Garry Islam Makhachev Mike Malott Joaquin Buckley Michael Morales Shavkat Rakhmonov