Ian Machado Garry stipulated to the UFC that his acceptance of a short-notice fight against Carlos Prates was conditional, with his primary demand being that a victory would secure him the next opportunity for the welterweight championship.
He fulfilled his end by winning a decision against Prates at UFC Kansas City. Now, Garry is preparing to weigh in as the backup fighter for Saturday`s main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. Although highly confident the UFC will honor its promise of a title shot afterward, Garry acknowledges one specific scenario where he would willingly step aside.
“[If] Jack does win and Islam [Makhachev] wants to come up, everyone takes a backseat,” Garry stated during the UFC 315 media day on Wednesday. “You’re the No. 1 pound-for-pound in the world, you deserve that ranking, you deserve that status.”
“If you want to come up and fight for that belt, then everyone will sit back and let you do so because that’s the respect that man deserves.”
UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has frequently expressed interest in pursuing a second title. However, he has also consistently stated he would never compete against Belal Muhammad, who is his friend and frequent training partner. Makhachev`s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, reinforced this stance, emphatically declaring they would not target the welterweight title as long as Muhammad holds it.
Naturally, this situation would change significantly if Jack Della Maddalena emerges victorious on Saturday.
While Garry concedes he would defer to Makhachev, considering the complexities involved in Islam moving up to the 170-pound division, the 27-year-old Irish contender doesn`t anticipate that specific scenario unfolding.
“I believe Belal wins this weekend, and when Belal wins this weekend, there ain’t a bigger fight to make than me and Belal, and I want to do it in his backyard,” Garry declared. “I want to do it in Chicago. I want to sell it out. I want to be the guy to do it, and I want to take his belt in his hometown.”
Rumors have circulated regarding the UFC`s potential return to Chicago soon. However, it remains uncertain whether Muhammad would be available for a fight there immediately, pending the outcome and recovery from his bout against Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
Regardless of his physical condition, Garry believes Muhammad would be unwise to decline a fight in his hometown, suggesting it presents the perfect opportunity for the next welterweight title defense.
“I think for him it would be idiotic to not want to fight in his hometown and defend his belt on home soil,” Garry stated, “Regardless of who’s in front of him.”
Despite his desire to capture Muhammad`s title, Garry holds significant respect for him and the challenging path he took to finally become champion. There appears to be no genuine animosity between them, and Garry vows to handle all promotional duties if the UFC schedules the fight.
“Belal is the champion of the world, and I think from everything that I’ve seen from him, obviously I don’t know the guy personally on a deep [level] but he seems to be a good human,” Garry commented. “Seems to have his mind switched on and isn’t into some bullshit mentioned, stupid things.”
“I think for him it would be a smart move to want to fight me next. Because I’m going to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to selling the card. I’m going to do all the heavy lifting when it comes to putting on a show. I’ll do all the noise. All he has to do is show up so I can win the belt.”
