Michael Morales calls out Islam Makhachev and Shavkat Rakhmonov in Instagram video; Ian Garry says main-event date is set

In a recent video posted to his Instagram handle, UFC welterweight Michael Morales called out reigning champion Islam Makhachev, challenger Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov, and directed a final expletive at Ian Garry.

Morales accused Makhachev of making excuses over who should receive the next title shot and said Makhachev had previously suggested Morales needed one more fight. In the clip Morales challenged Prates to settle who deserves the opportunity and warned Makhachev that if he chose the “easy” route Morales has his sights set on Shavkat Rakhmonov for 2027. Morales concluded the message with: “Islam… you know who I am. You said ‘Morales is way more dangerous’. You also said I need one more fight. About Prates and me, you said ‘let them fight’. Alright, but after that, no more excuses. Prates, you said the UFC never offered you the fight with me. You and me, let’s do it. You want the belt, I want the belt. Let’s find out who’s next. 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. Oh I almost forgot. F*ck Ian Garry.”

Ian Garry replied by posting footage of a conversation with Morales, accusing him of trash talk and of inventing details about their meeting. In Garry’s caption he said he has accepted a fight with Morales as the main event and that the date is locked in, while accusing Morales of already making excuses.

Garry’s post included the following statement in full: “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’ most recent appearance in the Octagon came at UFC 322 in November 2025, where he defeated Sean Brady via first-round TKO; that was his second fight in 2025 and he has not competed in 2026. Garry last fought Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in August for the welterweight title and lost by unanimous decision.

There is no official announcement confirming the Garry–Morales matchup, but Garry has publicly stated the fight is agreed, the date is locked in and that the UFC sent him the proposed dates.