Ian Machado Garry has alleged that UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is not ready to face him as speculation continues over the champion’s first title defence at 170-pounds.

The No. 2-ranked welterweight contender has been preparing for a potential championship opportunity since defeating Belal Muhammad in Qatar last year. Garry recently travelled to Gori, Georgia, to refine his wrestling skills in anticipation of a bout with Makhachev, who is expected to return to action between May and July following Ramadan.

Posting a post-training image from Georgia on Instagram, Garry questioned the timing of a potential fight. “I’m ready… He needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time,” he wrote.

The comments came hours before Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, dismissed the prospect of a fight between the pair. “This is, I can tell you, the UFC is working on a big fight for Islam Makhachev, and Ian’s name is not involved,” he wrote on social media. “Much bigger. One of the biggest fights in the UFC right now they can make. Stay tuned.”

Makhachev is set to make the first defence of his welterweight title later this year, though no opponent has been officially confirmed as of yet. His manager’s remarks indicate the promotion is pursuing an alternative matchup described as one of the largest currently available.

Among the potential options discussed publicly is a bout with Ilia Topuria, who has previously spoken about moving up in weight for a high-profile contest. However, the UFC has yet to announce its plans for Makhachev’s next appearance.