The first UFC welterweight title defense for Islam Makhachev is nearly set, and it appears that Philadelphia will be getting a noteworthy title fight in the division.
Per a report from Alvaro Colmenero, Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry is being targeted to headline UFC 330.
Colmenero reports that Michael Morales is out of the running for the next title shot.
Colmenero also added that Makhachev has asked for UFC 329 in July, during the UFC’s International Fight Week, but UFC 330 in August is more likely.
Makhachev surrendered the UFC lightweight championship last year to move up to welterweight. At UFC 322 in November, Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become the new welterweight champion.
Garry, the Cage Warriors and UFC veteran, will enter this title shot off a pair of wins over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad in 2025.
UFC 330 will take place on August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It will be the UFC’s first visit to Philadelphia since 2019.