At the top of the UFC welterweight division, the debate is no longer about who holds the belt, but who truly deserves a shot at it. The future of champion Islam Makhachev remains uncertain, shaped by a complex mix of sporting merit, strategic positioning, and promotional interests.
Since capturing the title with a decision victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last November, Makhachev has yet to receive an official challenger. While the champion has openly expressed his desire to face former division king Kamaru Usman, that matchup appears increasingly dependent on factors beyond competitive logic alone.
This is where Michael Bisping enters the conversation with an alternative perspective. According to the former champion turned analyst, the UFC may be leaning toward a different contender: Ian Garry.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping builds his case around sustained legitimacy. Currently ranked number one in the world, Garry has earned his position through consistent, high-level performances rather than hype. His five-round battle against Shavkat Rakhmonov in a decisive number-one contender bout stands as a defining moment, where he came close to securing a submission in the final round.
Since then, the Irishman has continued to solidify his claim. A dominant showing against former champion Belal Muhammad, followed by a statement win over rising contender Carlos Prates, has reinforced the perception that Garry is no longer a prospect, but a cornerstone of the division.
For Bisping, Garry’s résumé speaks for itself. He argues that when matched with the division’s true elite — whether established names or emerging threats — the Irish fighter has consistently delivered.
However, turning this scenario into reality requires one final piece: approval from the champion’s camp. Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has recently downplayed the possibility of a fight with Garry, favoring an alternative opponent deemed more suitable from their perspective.
This leaves the division at a crossroads:
is the next title defense decided by rankings and performances, or by influence and negotiation power behind the scenes?
