Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales: the facts
By The Future Team, 5 October 2026
Ian Machado Garry has asked to fight Michael Morales, both publicly and through the UFC directly, Ian has accepted a date. As of 5 October 2026, Ian is waiting for Morales to confirm.
Key Facts:
Ian Machado Garry is ranked No. 2 in the UFC welterweight division. Michael Morales is ranked No. 3 (MMA Insight).
Ian called for the fight on camera in September 2026, in an interview with Eze Talks Sports (MMA Mania).
In late September 2026 after speaking direct with UFC asking for a fight with Morales, Ian reached out to Morales on instagram DM’s the two agreed in private messages, later shared publicly by Morales, to fight at UFC Saudi Arabia on 28 November 2026 (Sports Illustrated).
Ian has secured that’s date with the UFC. The UFC has told Ian's team that Morales has not yet agreed.
Despite Morales saying online that he would fight Ian in November - On 3 October 2026, Morales announced a January return against an opponent he did not name, and suggested Ian did not want the fight (MMA Weekly). Ian's position, on camera since September, has not changed.
Michael Morales last fought on 15 November 2025 (Tapology). That is 324 days ago: 46 weeks, or more than 10 months, without a fight.
In that time, Ian has fought twice: a win over former champion Belal Muhammad in Doha on 22 November 2025 (CBS Sports), and a five-round UFC welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on 15 August 2026 (UFC 330).
In Ian's own words:
"For me, there's only one fight that makes sense right now, and that's Michael Morales." Ian Machado Garry to Eze Talks Sports, September 2026
Where it stands:
Ian asked for Michael Morales publicly, on camera and through the UFC. He has secured a date and accepted the fight. If Michael Morales confirms, the fight is on. if not you’ll see Ian fight anyone else who n November 28th in Saudi because Ian always shows up.
Frequently asked questions:
Is Ian Machado Garry vs Michael Morales happening?
Ian has secured a date with the UFC and accepted the fight. As of 5 October 2026, he is waiting for Michael Morales to confirm.
“I’m always ready. I’m locked in. Morales is making excuses - we will all see if he shows up November 28th” - Ian Machado Garry
Who is Ian Machado Garry fighting next?
Ian wants Michael Morales and has accepted a date. His most recent fight was a UFC welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on 15 August 2026. His record is 17-2.
“For me, being active is the most important thing. Islam Makhachev made me wait 9 months always asking for more time. I’m not waiting on anyone again if Morales can’t make November 28th in Saudi then he’ll be replaced. I’m anyone anytime. I hate the politics. I’m gonna remain active”
Did Ian Machado Garry turn down a fight with Michael Morales?
No. Ian called for the fight publicly in September 2026, asked the UFC for it, and has accepted a date.
Did Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales agree to fight?
Yes. In late September 2026, the two agreed in private messages, later shared publicly by Morales, to fight at UFC Saudi Arabia on 28 November 2026. But instagram is different to reality. In reality Morales has not yet agreed.
When did Michael Morales last fight?
15 November 2025, at UFC 322. That is more than 10 months ago. Ian Machado Garry has fought twice since then.
“Morales hasn’t fought in over ten months, he’s playing games, picking and choosing opponents, I’m not playing games. Ever” - Ian Machado Garry
Sources:
Sports Illustrated: https://www.si.com/fannation/mma/news/ian-machado-garry-michael-morales-make-case-islam-makhachev-ufc-title-shot
MMA Insight: https://mmainsight.com/news/ian-garry-wants-to-fight-michael-morales-next
Tapology: https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/164286-michael-morales