On Saturday night, Ian Machado Garry finally got the opportunity he’s spent nine years working toward: a UFC title fight. While he entered his UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev as a solid underdog, the Irishman made the UFC pound-for-pound No. 1 work hard and seemed on the verge of forcing him into a do-or-die fifth round with the title up for grabs.
Nevertheless, “The Future” is not now, and he came up short by unanimous decision. However, he remains one of the best welterweights on the planet and deserves another big fight in his Octagon return. With that in mind, let’s look at who Garry could face in his next UFC fight.
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Winner of Gabriel Bonfim vs. Sean Brady
May 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, UNITED STATES; Sean Brady (red gloves) prior to the fight against Joaquin Buckley (blue gloves) during UFC 328 at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
During the UFC broadcast, it was announced that top-10 fighters Sean Brady and Gabriel Bonfim will headline a Fight Night card in November. If Garry is willing to wait until next year for his UFC return, a clash with the winner of that bout makes a lot of sense. Both offer major threats, and a win over either pushes him right back into the title conversation.
Carlos Prates
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Carlos Prates (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Leon Edwards (not pictured) in the welterweight bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Brazil’s Carlos Prates is the No. 1 contender in the UFC welterweight rankings. However, Michael Morales may get the shot before him. If that happens, it would not be a surprise if the UFC gives Prates the chance to avenge his lone loss inside the Octagon against Garry.
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The Irishman scored a hard-fought decision win over Prates last year, and the winner of a rematch getting the winner of Makhachev vs. Morales is sensible booking. The only holdup is Garry and Prates have become good friends, and they may pass on another fight.
Jack Della Maddalena
Mar 9, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Jack Della Maddalena (blue gloves) fights Gilbert Burns (red gloves) during UFC 299 at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY SportsCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A fight that could easily headline a Fight Night card overseas would be Garry looking to prove himself against a former division king in Jack Della Maddalena. The Aussie has lost two straight and is in need of a big victory to get himself back into the contender conversation. A victory over a recent champion would help rebuild Garry’s contender case.
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It is a fit for both men, and a matchup that could be highly entertaining.
Michael Morales
Nov 15, 2025; New York, NY, UNITED STATES; Michael Morales (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Sean Brady (not pictured) in the welterweight bout during UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If 19-0 wrecking machine Michael Morales was unfortunately passed over for a title shot next, a matchup with Garry is the fight many UFC fans would want. They are two of the top five welterweights on the planet, and it would be fascinating to see which man’s style would win out in what could be a tactically violent stand-up war.
The bout being a No. 1 contender bout on the same card as the next title fight would be smart business.
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