UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has announced he has agreed to face two notable opponents in the division.
Garry is nearing a potential opportunity to challenge for the welterweight title. According to him, the UFC has offered him two distinct opponents for his upcoming return bout, either of which could potentially lead to a title shot.
Garry`s last appearance in the Octagon was earlier this year at UFC Kansas City, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates. He also served as the backup fighter for UFC 315 last month, an event where Jack Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad to claim the welterweight championship.
As Islam Makhachev is expected to be the next challenger for Maddalena`s title, Garry and other top contenders are positioning themselves for future title contention. Garry is currently in Las Vegas during UFC 317 fight week, with plans to discuss securing a date and opponent for his return with the UFC matchmakers.
Ian Machado Garry Reveals Preferred Opponent for Potential Title Eliminator
Looking to build momentum after his first professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, the outspoken Irish fighter has been presented with offers to face two high-profile opponents by the UFC for a fight later this year.
During a recent interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Garry shared details about the opponents the UFC proposed.
“I’ve said ‘Yes’ officially to Belal [Muhammad] and Sean Brady,” Garry stated.
He added, “This week I’m trying to have a meeting with the UFC and organize everything, but I have a preference of leaning towards Belal.”
Following Garry`s comments, former champion Belal Muhammad quickly seemed to dismiss the claims.
Muhammad responded to Garry`s remarks with a GIF suggesting disbelief, implying he was unaware of any such offer. Muhammad had previously hinted at a potential fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov in October at the UFC`s annual event in Abu Dhabi.
Immediately after his loss to Maddalena, Garry had sent a pointed message to Muhammad regarding a possible future matchup. Muhammad had then countered by suggesting a fight could happen at Madison Square Garden in November.
Ian Machado Garry Adjusts Stance on Sean Brady Fight
Regarding a potential bout with Sean Brady, Garry appears to have shifted from his earlier position where he had downplayed the credentials of the rising contender. Brady had called out Garry after his win over Gilbert Burns last year, but Garry had previously favored a different opponent at that time.
Before his recent victory at UFC Kansas City, Garry`s first professional loss occurred against Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December. That fight was arranged on short notice after Muhammad withdrew from his scheduled fight against Rakhmonov due to medical reasons.
Garry`s record within the UFC is currently 9-1, with three of those victories coming by knockout.
Jack Thornley