Fans have widely expected Islam Makhachev to face Ian Machado Garry in his first welterweight title defence. The matchup has been treated as the most logical next step.

Other contenders remain in the picture, including Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. Even so, most signs had pointed towards the Irishman receiving the opportunity.

That assumption has now been challenged. Makhachev’s latest comments suggest the situation is far from settled as discussions continue behind the scenes.

Islam Makhachev casts doubt on Ian Garry fight plans

Makhachev admitted he is still unclear about his next opponent despite already beginning preparations. The uncertainty reflects a lack of direct communication from the promotion.

The Dagestani star said (via Red Corner MMA): “The UFC hasn’t informed me about it yet, but there’s been a lot of rumors about me fighting Ian Garry next. Yet I haven’t talked with any officials about this fight.”

Makhachev made it clear that several contenders are under consideration, as the division currently offers multiple viable options for a title bout.

“So, I can’t tell for sure who is the next contender. I’ve got 3-4 more possible matchups. Kamaru Usman is also up there, Ian Garry, Morales, Prates. They’re all expecting a title shot,” he said.

Carlos Prates emerges as the most intriguing option for Islam Makhachev

Among those names, Makhachev highlighted a potential bout against Prates as particularly appealing.

That surge follows the Brazilian’s dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena last weekend. The result significantly boosted his standing in the division.

“Well, I think Prates has got the hype now. He’s talked about much more now. So I think a fight with him would be the most interesting,” the champion commented.

In the latest rankings, Prates climbed to number two. Ian Garry, meanwhile, now holds the number one contender position.

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After his win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, Carlos Prates has made a big move up the welterweight rankings.

This past Saturday in Perth, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates squared off in the main event, both hoping to strengthen their claims for a future title shot.

‘The Nightmare’ put on a flawless performance, becoming the first fighter to finish Della Maddalena inside the Octagon when he stopped him in the third round.

Prates has now put himself firmly into welterweight title contention and has been rewarded with a significant boost in the rankings.

Carlos Prates climbs to No. 2 in latest welterweight rankings update

After defeating the former champion, who held the top spot going into the fight, the 32-year-old has now climbed three places up to number two.

That result has also had a knock-on effect for Ian Machado Garry, who now moves up to number one and strengthens his case as the division’s top contender.

Makhachev is reportedly set to face Garry next, with that matchup expected to headline UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Prates may not need another fight before earning his shot at the belt following Machado Garry, with a title opportunity looking likely before year’s end.

It wasn’t just welterweight where rankings shifted. Several other fighters from UFC Perth were rewarded for their performances with moves up their respective ladders.

Salkilld entered the lightweight rankings at number 12 after stopping Beneil Dariush in the first round, jumping ahead of fighters like Michael Chandler.

Steve Erceg also made a move, returning to flyweight’s top ten after edging out Tim Elliot on points.

The heavyweight division also saw a fresh name crack the top 15. Brando Pericic took over spot number 15 after an impressive showing against Shamil Gaziev, providing a much-needed boost to that weight class.

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Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and – perhaps most importantly – social-media platforms.

Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.

Following Saturday's Paramount+ in Perth, Australia, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.

Check out some of those reactions.

The defeated: Themba Gorimbo

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Michael Morales has not stepped into the Octagon since November 2025. That night, he secured a statement win over Sean Brady to continue his rise in the welterweight division.

Since then, the Ecuadorian prospect has remained inactive. He does not currently have a fight booked, which points towards a return no earlier than July.

Despite that uncertainty, Morales has now provided a clear indication of his intentions. The rising contender publicly hinted at the opponent he wants next, and it is not a title fight.

Michael Morales hints at showdown with Carlos Prates

Morales shared a picture on his Instagram profile alongside Carlos Prates. The timing of the post strongly suggests he is targeting a clash with the Brazilian contender.

The image came just one day after ‘The Nightmare’ delivered another standout performance. The Brazilian striker dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, marking his second consecutive knockout over a former champion.

That result further elevated Prates’ standing within the division. It also made Morales’ post more significant, as he appears keen to test himself against one of the most dangerous names in that weight class.

However, Prates has a different focus at this stage. Speaking after the fight, he made it clear he is no longer interested in facing contenders.

Instead, ‘The Nightmare’ expects his next appearance to be for the welterweight title. That stance could complicate any potential matchup with Morales in the short term.

Welterweight title picture continues to take shape

The title situation in the division is becoming clearer. Islam Makhachev has already confirmed he is preparing for his next fight.

The Dagestani star is expected to face Ian Machado Garry in August.

Prates has been vocal about wanting the winner of that fight, and his recent form has strengthened his claim for a title opportunity.

Meanwhile, Morales is still building towards that level. Having yet to face former champions, a step up in competition appears the logical next move.

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Amanda Nunes has a very different perspective on Ronda Rousey’s return than Kayla Harrison does.

Harrison has been openly critical of how Rousey is promoting her May 16 comeback, which is being billed as the greatest women’s fight of all time.

Rousey didn’t hold back in her response, telling Harrison not to bite the hand that feeds her and claiming she’s only trying to help out the current UFC bantamweight champion.

Nunes discussed where she stands on the debate while also giving an update on her own plans for returning to the Octagon during a recent interview.

Amanda Nunes is behind Ronda Rousey’s return and isn’t concerned by Kayla Harrison’s criticism

It’s been a decade since Amanda Nunes stopped Ronda Rousey, a fight many thought would be the end of ‘Rowdy’s’ career. But now, with her comeback set for May 16, the landscape looks very different.

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Nunes was asked about Kayla Harrison’s recent criticism of Rousey’s return. The two were meant to fight earlier this year before Harrison pulled out due to injury.

Despite their past differences, Nunes is supportive of Rousey stepping back into the spotlight and hopes Harrison will do the same soon.

“I don’t see nobody losing here. Ronda Rousey’s back, she’s going to fight Gina [Carano], this is great for women’s MMA. This is great for all of us. I don’t know what is going on with Kayla, I don’t care,” Nunes said.

“You know what I mean? I don’t know what is going on, I just want a date though. I want Kayla focusing in the day to give me a date. I want to get in there and face her.”

“Whatever she has outside with whatever, I don’t care. But, I don’t see anything horrible here. I see like [it’s] great. Ronda Rousey is going to fight, everybody is going to watch it and me and Kayla I hope soon too and women’s MMA wins and I’m happy about it.”

Back in March, Harrison shared that she was still recovering from a neck injury that had forced her out of their January bout but said she was making progress towards sparring again.

Nunes mentioned during her interview that she hopes Harrison will be ready in time for UFC 329 during International Fight Week in July.

The UFC Hall of Famer also added that she believes this event aligns with the promotion’s plans for when they’d like the fight to happen too.

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