Ian Machado Garry clearly has a vision for his future in the UFC.
After securing a convincing victory against Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City, the 27-year-old Irish contender was officially named the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 315 welterweight championship bout between current champion Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. With this position secured, Garry is confident that his chance to compete for the gold is fast approaching, irrespective of whether he steps into the octagon on May 10th in Montreal.
In fact, Garry has already mapped out a precise three-fight sequence, aiming not only to become champion but also to execute his first title defense.
“You know I enjoy making plans, don`t you?” Garry stated during the post-fight press conference at UFC Kansas City. “You know I visualize things in my mind. So, let me tell you what`s next. I intend to fight the winner of [UFC 315]. I believe it will be Belal, and that`s not a slight against Jack, I just think stylistically Belal possesses the tools to win that fight quite decisively. Therefore, Belal is who I plan to fight next. I will defeat Belal. As Belal himself has often stated, I represent the most challenging opponent for him in the division.”
“Once Belal is no longer the champion,” Garry continued, “there is a specific pound-for-pound number one fighter who is considering moving up, and his name is Islam Makhachev. I hold nothing but admiration and respect for that man and his fighting style; it would be an honor to share the octagon with him. I would relish the opportunity to face him in my initial title defense and prove that I am the true pound-for-pound number one.”
While these plans are undoubtedly ambitious, Garry didn`t stop there. His outlined immediate future culminates with an opportunity to rectify the single loss on his professional record.
Last December, Garry accepted a short-notice matchup against another undefeated welterweight, Shavkat Rakhmonov. Despite nearly securing a late finish in the fifth round, Garry ultimately ended up on the losing side of the judges` decision.
Garry openly admitted that this defeat continues to motivate him, and he is channeling it as fuel to eventually earn a rematch against Rakhmonov in the future.
“After defeating [Islam Makhachev], I will claim that status [as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter],” Garry declared. “I will successfully defend my title for the first time, and then Shavkat will get his rematch.”
“I will go out there and dismantle that man, proving definitively that he did not truly win that fight. That is my plan for the next three fights. That`s how I see everything unfolding, and I wouldn`t want it any other way.”
First on the agenda, Garry is traveling to Montreal in two weeks with the intention of making weight as the official reserve fighter for the championship bout.
Although there`s a remote possibility he might end up competing at UFC 315, Garry acknowledges it`s unlikely. Regardless, he will be closely observing the main event, though he anticipates the reigning champion will retain his belt.
“I believe Belal holds the advantage,” Garry commented. “I think Jack hits hard and has clean boxing technique, but I feel we`ve witnessed Jack being outmaneuvered by fighters who aren`t as skilled as Belal in that specific style. Belal excels at applying that relentless pressure. He might not be the hardest hitter, but he constantly moves forward, effectively mixes in his wrestling, and makes things uncomfortable for his opponents.”
“I genuinely think that matchup is stylistically problematic for Jack. I predict Belal will secure a finish in the fourth or fifth round.”
While Garry expresses admiration for Della Maddalena as a potential opponent, he concedes that a victory over Muhammad, the current champion, would hold more significance for him when his title shot arrives.
Currently boasting an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak, Muhammad has undeniably established himself as a top welterweight in the sport, and he is precisely the caliber of opponent Garry wants to face when it`s his turn to challenge for the title.
“I would prefer to fight Belal,” Garry stated. “This preference isn`t about style but rather about his accomplishments in the division. He is the champion. He has defeated former champions. He is on an extensive win streak.”
“I feel Jack hasn`t accumulated the same volume of significant wins, and as I`ve said before, I don`t want any doubts surrounding my career achievements. Therefore, I aim to defeat the best fighters in the world. Jack is certainly at that elite level, but I believe Belal has accomplished more to earn his current status.”
