Jon Anik thinks there are two viable options for Islam Makhachev‘s first UFC welterweight title defense, but expects Ian Machado Garry to get the call.
Lead UFC play-by-play man Anik is eager to see Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) open his reign at 170 pounds, which began at UFC 322 in November when he took the strap off Jack Della Maddalena in his divisional debut following a long title run at lightweight.
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Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and undefeated contender Michael Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) have both been campaigning for the opportunity to challenge Makhachev, who UFC CEO Dana White confirmed is targeted for an August return.
It’s a tight race from Anik’s perspective, however, he thinks Machado Garry would be the right choice.
“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,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “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.
“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.”
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No matter which man gets the shot against Makhachev, they are going to have to wait several months before stepping into the octagon. According to White, the champ, who is on a record-tying 16-fight winning streak under the UFC banner, is dealing with a lingering hand injury.
What could be a 10-month break between fights had led to some fan backlash toward Makhachev, which is not something Anik agrees with.
“I think it is too harsh,” Anik said. “If you look at the different rumors and rumblings and things that transpired when it came to June 14, and then you inject the hand injury into the conversation, Ramadan, all these different factor – I think we should be giving the pound-for-pound king the benefit of the double. And I take him at his word. … I would like to see him get a little more grace. We have seen a lot of champions have bouts of inactivity.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC’s Jon Anik: Ian Machado Garry ‘most deserving’ of Islam Makhachev
