Ian Machado Garry says 'date locked in' to fight Michael Morales despite denial

Ian Machado Garry claims that Michael Morales is the one who doesn't want to fight him for a championship bout. Earlier, Morales had posted leaked messages of a conversation with Garry, suggesting they had verbally agreed to face each other in the Octagon. However, when Morales discussed his upcoming fight, he revealed that neither Carlos Prates nor Machado Garry were interested in competing against him.

Instead, Morales directed his attention towards Islam, stating that the fighter had taken the title from him and he was seeking a challenge.

Morales had previously referred to Morales as a dangerous fighter and expressed his desire for a tough bout. He challenged both Prates and Garry to face him for the championship, asserting that he wanted the fight people would remember. Garry, in response, accused Morales of ducking him and criticized the UFC for sending him a specific date for their main event, claiming that the fighter was giving mixed signals.

He emphasized his availability anytime and questioned Morales' recent fighting record. The exchange continued on Morales' Instagram post, with both fighters expressing their determination to fight for the division's final spot.