Ian Garry claims he accepted UFC main event against Michael Morales

Ian Garry has hit back at Michael Morales after the unbeaten welterweight posted a provocative video calling out several top-ranked 170-pounders—only to end with a blunt dismissal of the Irish contender. Morales, who holds a perfect 19-0 record and has strung together seven consecutive UFC wins including first-round finishes of Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny, framed Garry last in his video, declaring "I almost forgot about you" before telling him to "f*ck you."

Garry responded swiftly on Instagram, insisting he has already accepted the matchup and that the UFC has locked in a date for a main event clash. "I've said YES," Garry wrote. "The date is locked in. Main event... UFC sent the date. I DM'd you myself." He also criticized Morales for taking the call public while allegedly sending different signals behind the scenes, while reminding observers that he fights anyone, anytime.

Garry is eyeing a comeback after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Islam Makhachev—the current UFC welterweight champion—at UFC 330 in August. For Morales, another victory would bolster his championship credentials, though Carlos Prates currently appears positioned as the frontrunner for the next title opportunity. The two fighters' contrasting narratives—Garry seeking redemption and Morales hunting for his shot—set the stage for a high-stakes welterweight bout.