Ian Machado Garry says it's Michael Morales who doesn't want to fight him.
A few weeks ago, Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) leaked his direct messages with Machado Garry in which they seemingly verbally agreed to fight. However, when addressing his next fight, Morales revealed that it's not Carlos Prates nor Machado Garry, since neither wants to fight, and that Machado Garry already has a fight booked.
He then released a video on his Instagram turning his attention to another top contender.
"Islam, since you came to my division and took the belt, I have been asking for the fight," Morales said. "You know who I am. You said Morales is way more dangerous. You also said I need one more fight. And about Prates and me, you said 'Let them fight,' all right,
I respect that. But after that, no more excuses, you and me for the belt. Prates, you said the UFC never offered you the fight with me. You said you will knock me out in the first round. Perfect, bro, let's do it.
"You and me, Deadpool vs. Spiderman. You want the belt, I want the belt, let's find out who's next. I want the hard fight. I want the great fighters. I want the fights people are going to remember, but if you guys have different plans, Islam, if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easy fighter, I have mine for 2027. The final boss of this division, Shavkat Rakhmonov. You know where to find me. Oh, I almost forgot about you. F*ck Ian Garry."
Machado Garry (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) fired back at Morales by accusing the undefeated fighter of ducking him.
"I’ve said YES. The date is locked in. Main event and You’re making excuses already. UFC sent the date. I dm’d you myself. You make it all public but behind the scenes I’m getting a different message. The world knows I’m anyone anytime… How long has it been since he’s fought?"
Morales hasn't fought since finishing Sean Brady in Round 1 at UFC 322 last November. Meanwhile, Machado Garry fell short in his title fight against welterweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ian Machado Garry says 'date locked in' to fight Michael Morales despite denial
