December 7, 2024—when Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated Ian Garry at UFC 310, he was going to face Belal Muhammad for the UFC welterweight title next. The stage was set and fans were already putting their stakes on their favorites. Not to mention, Belal was anticipating the clash because according to him, Rakhmonov has never “fought anybody like him“. So, imagine the shock when the Nomad suddenly pulled out of the fight due to an injury! But hey, worry not—a new 170-pound division title fight is coming to the octagon. And this time, it’s Muhammad up against Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315.
However, Ian Garry believes that Jack is not deserving of the spot. Furthermore, he made sure to put his name above the Australian fighter as he emphasized that the injury sustained by Shavkat was caused by his heel kicks, eventually making Shavkat withdraw from the title fight He added, “Um, and then you know we’re in a world title fight. And rightfully, I believe he still won the fight to this day, he gets the shot. But if he’s not available, it makes logical sense to go to me.” His words, not ours!
While discussing with Sky Sports, Ian Machado Garry called the main event fight of UFC 315 a disrespectful move from Dana White & co. as he went on an onslaught over the division, having much more deserving fighters for the title than Maddalena. He said, ” I was seething, just seething when I found out that they’re going to give it to a guy who’s been injured and hasn’t fought in a year. So for me it was more just a respect thing. Um, I know what Jack has done and I know like, I know what Jack can do in this division. It’s not against Jack per se, but the guy hasn’t competed or fought in a year and has been battling an injury. You know what I mean?”
Indeed, stepping in on short notice and delivering an absolute war against Rakhmonov is no ordinary task, but Garry did it. The Irish striker proved in the fight that he deserves a seat among the top welterweights of the UFC. But since a title fight has already been set, Garry finds himself looking for a possible opponent in his division. And with the Lightweight champion looking to move up and fight at Welterweight, Garry wasted no time in letting the UFC know that he has no problem introducing the Russian to the welterweight division.
Ian Garry wants to welcome Islam Makhachev in the UFC welterweight division
The biggest news for MMA in 2025 came when Coach Khabib Nurmagomedov announced that his student and brother Islam Makhachev is looking to move in weight class and fight for the 170-pound title. And the effect? Fighters from both Welterweight and Lightweight start to look forward to their future fights. In a move that will change a lot of dynamics, Makhachev wants to achieve the double champ status. Following this announcement, Garry came on in an interview, letting the UFC know who can give true welterweight experience to the debuting Makhachev.
“You wanna talk about talented fighters? That man is as clean as they come. Jesus, you give no real weight cut” Garry said while praising the Dagestani and claiming at welterweight, without a real weight cut, Makhachev has more advantages than one may notice. He also made sure to let the world know that he’s itching for a fight with him. He said, “God, I’d do that fight happily. You know what? UFC calls me, you think I’m saying no? Haven’t I proven myself already?” So, can we look forward to this fight, if at all happens?
With Belal Muhammad as the welterweight champion, Khabib told the world to not make any fight speculations just yet as ‘Bully B’ is a close friend of The Eagle and his family. In Khabib’s words: “We put relations above titles. That’s how we do things around here.” This means one thing—if Makhachev has no challengers at Lightweight and can’t fight Belal at welterweight, then perhaps a clash against a welterweight. Why? Of course, to strengthen his contention argument.
With that in mind, Khabib too has his eyes set on the UFC 315 main event and wants “Remember the Name” to win the fight. However, if his predictions go wrong, Makhachev will get the next title. What do you think is next for Makhachev? Let us know in the comments.
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