UFC's Jon Anik Believes Ian Machado Garry Deserves Islam Makhachev Title Fight

Top UFC commentator says Garry is the most deserving challenger for Makhachev's welterweight title.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 11:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and clashing styles of a UFC welterweight title fight, rendered in a vibrant color palette.A cubist interpretation of the anticipated welterweight title clash between champion Islam Makhachev and rising contender Ian Machado Garry.

UFC play-by-play announcer Jon Anik believes that rising welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry should be the next fighter to challenge Islam Makhachev for his UFC welterweight title. Anik thinks Garry's recent performances and call-outs have made him the most deserving challenger, even over undefeated prospect Michael Morales. However, Makhachev's hand injury will likely delay his first title defense until August.

Why it matters

This is a significant development in the UFC welterweight division, as Makhachev's move up from lightweight has created a new title picture. Garry and Morales have both been vocal about wanting the shot, and Anik's endorsement of Garry could sway the UFC's decision-making process.

The details

Anik believes that while both Garry and Morales have strong cases, Garry's momentum and vocal campaign for the title fight give him the edge. He thinks the stylistic matchup between Makhachev and Garry would also be intriguing for fans. However, Makhachev's hand injury will likely delay his first welterweight title defense until August, meaning the challenger will have to wait several months before getting their shot at the belt.

  • Makhachev won the UFC welterweight title at UFC 322 in November 2025.
  • Makhachev is targeted to make his first title defense in August 2026.
  • Garry has been actively campaigning for the Makhachev title fight.

The players

Jon Anik

The lead play-by-play commentator for the UFC, known for his extensive knowledge of the sport and the fighters.

Islam Makhachev

The current UFC welterweight champion, who is on a 16-fight winning streak in the promotion.

Ian Machado Garry

A rising welterweight contender in the UFC, who has been vocal about wanting a title shot against Makhachev.

Michael Morales

An undefeated welterweight prospect in the UFC, who has also been campaigning for a title fight against Makhachev.

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What they’re saying

“Sometimes I just throw my hands up and wonder what is the internal promotional metric, or the driving force that would give Ian Machado Garry this title shot as opposed to Michael Morales. Is it a matchup thing? Do they maybe make more money if one guy is the champion? I don't know the extent Ian Machado Garry moves the needle opposed to Michael Morales.”

— Jon Anik, UFC Play-by-Play Commentator

“I think, straight meritocracy ... I just feel like Makhachev vs. Machado Garry is the fight. And I think it's a fascinating stylistic matchup as well. I think Morales is eventually going to get there. Morales is looking like an absolute world beater. But depending on what their interim methodology is, I think Machado Garry is going to be the guy. And I think he's the most deserving.”

— Jon Anik, UFC Play-by-Play Commentator

What’s next

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Islam Makhachev is targeted to make his first welterweight title defense in August 2026, following a hand injury that will keep him out of action for several months.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the competitive nature of the UFC welterweight division, with multiple rising contenders vying for a shot at the champion. Anik's endorsement of Garry could sway the UFC's decision, but Morales' undefeated record also makes him a compelling challenger. Ultimately, the UFC will have to weigh several factors in determining who gets the next title opportunity against Makhachev.