Ian Machado Garry was clear with the UFC hierarchy: accepting a fight against Carlos Prates on short notice came with specific requirements. His most significant condition was that a victory would secure him the next opportunity to challenge for the welterweight championship.
Having fulfilled his part by winning a decision against Prates at UFC Kansas City, Garry is now scheduled to serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming main event featuring Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena this Saturday. While highly confident the UFC will honor its commitment regarding his title shot afterward, Garry acknowledged one specific situation where he would have to step aside.
“If Jack wins and Islam [Makhachev] decides to move up, everyone else takes a back seat,” Garry stated during UFC 315 media day on Wednesday. “He’s the number one pound-for-pound fighter globally; he has earned that position and status.”
“If he chooses to move up and contend for that belt, everyone else will pause and allow him to do so, out of respect for what that man has accomplished.”
As the reigning UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has frequently mentioned his ambition to claim a second title. However, he has also consistently stated he would never compete against Belal Muhammad, a close friend and regular training partner. Makhachev’s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, reinforced this position, emphatically stating they would not pursue the welterweight title as long as Muhammad holds it.
Naturally, this stance would change if Della Maddalena emerges victorious on Saturday.
Although Garry conceded he would defer to Makhachev under such circumstances, considering the specific conditions required for Islam to move up to the 170-pound division, the 27-year-old Irish fighter does not anticipate this scenario actually unfolding.
“My belief is that Belal will win this weekend. And when Belal wins, there’s no bigger or better fight to schedule than myself against Belal, and I want it to happen in his home territory,” Garry declared. “I want it in Chicago. I want to sell out the arena. I want to be the fighter who does that, and I want to take his championship belt in his own city.”
There have been persistent rumors about the UFC planning a return to Chicago in the near future. However, it remains uncertain if Muhammad would even be available for such a fight until after he competes against Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
Regardless of his physical condition after the fight, Garry feels Muhammad would be making a poor decision by not wanting to compete in his hometown, which would set the stage perfectly for another welterweight title clash.
“I think it would be illogical for him not to want to fight in his hometown and defend his title on home turf,” Garry commented. “Regardless of who his opponent is.”
Despite his ambition to claim Muhammad’s title, Garry holds significant respect for him and the challenging journey he undertook to finally become champion. There appears to be no genuine animosity between them, and Garry promised he would handle all promotional duties if the UFC sanctions the fight.
“Belal is the world champion, and based on everything I’ve observed about him – although I don’t know him deeply on a personal level – he appears to be a decent individual,” Garry said. “He seems focused and not involved in any unnecessary drama or foolish behavior.”
“From his perspective, I think it would be a smart strategic move to want to fight me next. The reason is I will shoulder all the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing the event. I will handle everything required to put on a spectacular show. I’ll generate all the buzz. All he needs to do is show up so I can take the belt.”
