Ian Garry Questions Makhachev Hand Injury Legitimacy

UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry publicly questioned the legitimacy of champion Islam Makhachev's reported hand injury on Monday, accusing the titleholder of using it as an excuse to delay his first defense at 170 pounds. The comments, shared in an Instagram video, come amid growing uncertainty over Makhachev's return timeline, which has sidelined potential bouts for a high-profile card at the White House.

Makhachev, who captured the welterweight belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 last year, has not fought since that victory. UFC President Dana White confirmed the hand injury in recent statements, noting that its severity remains unclear and could postpone Makhachev's comeback until sometime this summer. The issue derailed plans for Makhachev to headline UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 in Washington, D.C., where matchmakers had explored pairings with fighters such as Ilia Topuria or former champion Kamaru Usman. Usman previously indicated that a proposed fight with Makhachev was halted by the promotion.

Garry, ranked No. 2 in the division, expressed skepticism about the injury's origins and timing. "I heard that too, but I don't believe it," Garry said in...