TLDR
- Ian Machado Garry defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar and wants Islam Makhachev next
- Garry argues he has fought the deepest competition in the division without getting a title shot
- Islam Makhachev recently won the welterweight title from Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322
- Garry promotes the fight as Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry similar to McGregor vs. Khabib
- Other contenders include Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Shavkat Rakhmonov
Ian Machado Garry wants his shot at the UFC welterweight title. After beating Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, he made it clear that Islam Makhachev should be his next opponent.
Garry won by unanimous decision against Muhammad, who was ranked No. 2 in the division. The victory adds another top-ranked fighter to his resume. He believes this record makes him the most deserving contender.
During the post-fight press conference, Garry expressed respect for Makhachev but issued a challenge. “The guy is the pound-for-pound No. 1 in the world and the champion of my division,” Garry said. “However, when you come into my division, and you’re the only thing that stops me that is in the way of me achieving my dreams, I’m going to make sure that I punch a hole in your head.”
Makhachev recently captured the welterweight title at UFC 322 in New York City. He defeated Jack Della Maddalena to become champion. The fight showed Makhachev’s dominance as he controlled Della Maddalena for nearly 20 of their 25 minutes in the cage.
Garry’s Case for a Title Shot
Garry’s MMA record stands at 17-1. His only loss came against Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2024 by close unanimous decision. Since that defeat, he has beaten Carlos Prates and now Muhammad.
The Irish fighter listed his opponents to support his claim. “There’s nobody that’s fought a deeper division, that’s fought guys from top to bottom,” he said. He mentioned Daniel Rodriguez, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, Michael Page, Rakhmonov, Prates, and Muhammad.
Garry dismissed newer contenders in the division. “And they’re going to throw some flashes in the pan out there?” he asked. “Not a chance. Not on my watch. Over my dead body.”
Competition for the Title Shot
The welterweight division has several potential challengers for Makhachev. Michael Morales recently knocked out Sean Brady in the first round. This performance strengthened his case for a title opportunity.
Makhachev has stated he prefers to face Kamaru Usman next. Usman is a former welterweight champion with multiple title defenses. Many fans and analysts consider Shavkat Rakhmonov an interesting option, but injuries have limited his recent activity.
Garry tried to create a storyline around Ireland versus Dagestan. He referenced the rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Islam Makhachev is the protege of Khabib, and I am the protege of Conor, right?” Garry said.
He compared himself to McGregor while describing Makhachev’s evolution from Khabib’s style. “This is the new wave of Dagestan, more technical on the feet, more technical grappling than Khabib,” Garry explained. “I’m a longer, faster, more versatile version of Conor.”
Garry has trained with McGregor’s team at SBG. He has shown respect to his countryman. However, calling himself McGregor’s protege strengthens his promotional narrative for the fight.
The UFC matchmakers will decide the next welterweight title challenger. They must evaluate all contenders as they plan for 2026. The division is considered one of the most competitive in MMA with multiple deserving challengers.
