Jon Anik: Ian Machado Garry 'most deserving' of Islam Makhachev fight
Lead UFC voice Jon Anik thinks Ian Machado Garry's calls for an Islam Makhachev title fight will be answered.
Jon Anik thinks there are two viable options for Islam Makhachev 's first UFC welterweight title defense, but expects Ian Machado Garry to get the call. Lead UFC play-by-play man Anik is eager to see Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) open his reign at 170 pounds, which began at UFC 322 in November when he took the strap off Jack Della Maddalena in his divisional debut following a long title run at lightweight. Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and undefeated contender Michael Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) have both been campaigning for the opportunity to challenge Makhachev, who UFC CEO Dana White confirmed is targeted for an August return .
It's a tight race from Anik's perspective, however, he thinks Machado Garry would be the right choice. "Sometimes I just throw my hands up and wonder what is the internal promotional metric, or the driving force that would give Ian Machado Garry this title shot as opposed to Michael Morales," Anik told MMA Junkie. "Is it a matchup thing?
Do they maybe make more money if one guy is the champion? I don't know the extent Ian Machado Garry moves the needle opposed to Michael Morales. "I think, straight meritocracy ...
I just feel like Makhachev vs. Machado Garry is the fight. And I think it's a fascinating stylistic matchup as well.