Islam Makhachev's championship reign is barely three months old, but the UFC's newest welterweight titleholder is already facing accusations of avoiding the cage.

Since dethroning Jack Della Maddalena last November to claim the welterweight crown, Makhachev has yet to defend his belt. The inactivity has caught the attention of the division's top contenders—and prompted criticism from an unexpected corner.

On March 2, 2026, No. 1-ranked contender Ian Machado Garry took to Instagram to call out the champion for what he sees as deliberate stalling.

"I'm ready," Garry wrote. "He needs more time. Imagine being the number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet and needing MORE time."

The Kamaru Usman Wrinkle

The controversy deepened earlier this week when UFC legend Kamaru Usman revealed he'd been offered a shot against Makhachev—before the promotion allegedly backed away from the matchup.

According to Usman, UFC CEO Hunter Campbell offered him a fight against former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis instead of a welterweight title shot. The decision effectively removed Usman from contention and left Makhachev without a clear opponent.

It's unclear whether Makhachev himself had input into the UFC's decision, but the timing raises eyebrows. With Usman off the table, the welterweight division is now in limbo—and Makhachev remains on the sidelines.

Ramadan, Timing, and Excuses

Makhachev's camp has offered an explanation: Ramadan. The champion initially turned down a UFC 324 fight offer in January, saying the date came too soon. Instead, he indicated he'd be ready after Ramadan concludes, which falls sometime in April.

"I think it will be after Ramadan for sure. April, May, June," Makhachev said via his team. "If they want to wait and put it at the White House, then I'll wait. If not, then I can fight earlier."

The statement was diplomatic but also revealing. Makhachev essentially said he'd only fight if the UFC gave him his preferred timing and venue. For a champion supposedly defending his crown, it's an unusual level of control over his schedule.

The Contenders Circle

While Makhachev takes his time, the division's contenders are growing restless—and outspoken.

Ian Garry is the clear No. 1 option. The undefeated Irish fighter has been waiting patiently for his title shot and is now publicly calling out the champion's inactivity.

Michael Morales came out of nowhere to steal headlines at UFC Mexico this past weekend. The rising welterweight literally pulled out his phone during the broadcast and called out Makhachev using the infamous "autism meme" photo—a move that was simultaneously hilarious and disrespectful. Interestingly, Makhachev himself has acknowledged Morales as the more dangerous challenger due to his knockout power.

"Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher," Makhachev said. "He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands."

Ilia Topuria, the featherweight champion, has also expressed interest in moving up to challenge Makhachev. However, Makhachev dismissed the threat, citing Topuria's size disadvantage at welterweight.

The Real Issue

Whether Ramadan, scheduling preferences, or strategic waiting—Makhachev's extended absence from title defense is becoming a problem for the UFC.

Champions are supposed to defend. Contenders are supposed to wait. But when a champion can dictate his own timeline while the division spins its wheels, it creates frustration for everyone involved.

Ian Garry's Instagram post speaks to a growing sentiment: the welterweight division is tired of waiting for Islam Makhachev to be ready. And with hungry challengers like Morales making noise, the UFC may soon need to make a choice—schedule Makhachev on their terms, or risk losing momentum in one of the promotion's deepest and most exciting divisions.

For now, Makhachev waits. The contenders wait. And the welterweight crown sits dormant, waiting for its champion to finally answer the call.