In a sport where trash talk is typically the focus before any bout, UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry reminded fans that a little kindness—and a dash of humor—can still go a long way. As tensions rise ahead of UFC 315, where Jack Della Maddalena will face Belal Muhammad for the title, ‘The Future’ brought a lighter tone to the buildup. He had his toddler son deliver a surprise gift to JDM. So, what was the surprise gift? Well, it was something that would truly melt your heart.
It all started with Ian Garry asking ChatGPT on Instagram, “What’s @jackdellamaddalena’s favorite food?” The AI’s immediate response? M&M peanuts. Instead of shrugging it off or treating it as trivia, ‘The Future’ opted to make the fun information memorable. He walked outside, grabbed a pack of chocolates, and had his young son deliver them to Della Maddalena. In the video that followed, the kid adorably approached the fighter and said, “Gift for you” before passing him the M&Ms. It was short, sweet, and instantly won over fight fans across the world.
However, this was more than simply a lovely gesture; it also had a cheeky twist. ‘The Future’ revealed his plans during an interview with Full Send. “I did a little bit of playful banter,” he admitted with a smile. “Jack, I’ve got a gift for you, right? These are from me. These are from me. I heard you love them. Eat them. Miss weight, don’t miss weight, whatever, but… these are for you, my friend.” Then came the punchline: “I mean, I’d love a world where he eats the whole thing, misses weight, and I jump in.” Machado was half-joking, but only half. Staying ready and relevant in a stacked welterweight category requires both skill and timing, and he sure has succeeded in that.
Garry also took advantage of the opportunity to put forward his challenge to Belal Muhammad for a potential title bout in his hometown of Chicago. All the while, the division remains in flux, particularly with Islam Makhachev eyeing a move up in weight but refusing to face Muhammad because of their relationship. The uncertainty surrounding UFC 315 has provided an opportunity for contenders like Garry to make their case—and he is doing just that, one planned move at a time. In fact, this has already helped him earn some respect from his possible opponents, as JDM has accepted him as the proper replacement for his UFC 315 fight.
Jack Della Maddalena Agrees to Face Ian Machado Garry
Ian Garry’s amusing gift drew notice, but it was his willingness to step up that earned Jack Della Maddalena’s respect. ‘The Future,’ the backup fighter for UFC 315’s main event, is no longer just tossing names around—he’s established himself as a viable option if things go wrong. And Della Maddalena? He is on board. In a recent interview, the Australian did not mince his words. “Yeah, 100%, I’d be comfortable fighting Ian Garry,” he said. “I think that’s a fight that’s going to happen.” That comes from a man who is vying for the championship, and it speaks volumes about Garry’s standing among the elite.
Della Maddalena, however, was not simply being courteous. He admitted precisely why Garry deserves the position, citing Garry’s ability to take on difficult fights on short notice and deliver results. “So you’ve got to respect that. Not many people do that sort of thing, step in and win fights… So good on him.” And he’s right: Ian Garry’s most recent victory versus Carlos Prates was no fluke. He looked sharp, composed, and dangerous as he headlined UFC Kansas City. It was enough to persuade Dana White to make him the official backup for the Montreal title fight.
So, while the attention is on Belal Muhammad and JDM, there’s a third name lurking in the shadows, completely prepared and psychologically tuned in. Nonetheless, Della Maddalena stated that he expected his bout with Muhammad to proceed as planned. “I think with me and Belal—it’s on,” he stated. “But yeah, if anything changes, then no worries on my end.” And if something does happen, there is no need to panic. Ian Machado Garry is already geared up. With Jack Della Maddalena on a 17-fight winning run and Garry on the rise, the fight feels less like a Plan B and more like an inevitability waiting to unfold. What do you think? Will we get to see ‘The Future’ and Della Maddalena clash anytime soon? Let us know in the comments.
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