Ian Machado Garry, following his victory over Carlos Prates, is set as the backup for the UFC 315 main event and has outlined a three-fight plan aiming to win the welterweight title, defend it against Islam Makhachev, and avenge his only career loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Ian Machado Garry is a man with a plan. After a strong performance against Carlos Prates in the UFC Kansas City main event, the 27-year-old Irish star secured his spot as the backup fighter for UFC 315. This event features a welterweight title fight between champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Garry’s confident his shot at the title is coming soon, whether or not he competes in Montreal on May 10.
Garry’s got a three-fight roadmap. It includes winning the championship and defending it for the first time. “You guys know I like plans, right?” he said at the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference. He believes Belal will win against Jack and is ready to face him next. Garry claims, “I’m going to beat Belal,” noting that Belal has often said Garry is his toughest opponent.
Next on Garry’s list? Islam Makhachev. Garry respects him and wants to prove himself in his first title defense. Ambitious, right? But Garry’s not stopping there. He aims to avenge his only career loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, which still haunts him. That fight ended in a decision loss despite Garry nearly securing a finish.
“I beat [Islam Makhachev], I take that status [as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter],” Garry said. The plan? Win his first title defense, then face Shavkat for a rematch. “I’m going to dismantle that man,” he declared, determined to prove he should have won that fight.
First things first, though. Garry’s off to Montreal soon to weigh in as the official backup for the title fight. He knows it’s unlikely he’ll compete, but he’s ready and expects the reigning champ to retain. “I think Belal has the advantage,” Garry said, praising Belal’s relentless style and wrestling skills.
Though Garry respects Della Maddalena, he admits facing Muhammad would mean more. Riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak, Muhammad is the top welterweight, exactly who Garry wants for his title shot. “[I’d rather fight] Belal,” Garry said. “He is the champion. He’s beaten former champions.”
Garry doesn’t want any question marks on his career. He’s determined to beat the best, and while Jack is up there, Garry believes Belal’s achievements make him the ultimate target.