Ian Machado Garry believes there is only one rightful challenger for Islam Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense — and it isn’t former champion Kamaru Usman.
Ahead of his co-main event clash with Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar this Saturday, Garry declared that a dominant win would cement him as the clear No. 1 contender. Despite strong showings from Michael Morales and Carlos Prates at UFC 322, Garry insists he is the most exciting, marketable, and deserving option for the champion.
“I don’t think it’s the advantage of me being last, I think it’s me being the best and the most interesting,” Garry said during media day. “When you beat No. 1 and you knock out No. 1 in the fashion I believe I’m going to do it in, there’s nothing else. I’m next.”
However, Makhachev has openly shown interest in fighting former champion Kamaru Usman, whose recent win over Joaquin Buckley reignited talks of a potential comeback run. The two also share management, making that matchup easier to facilitate. Garry wasn’t impressed.
“Do I think the champion of the world should fight a has-been?” Garry said. “Someone who used to be great, but isn’t great anymore? No. Islam needs to fight one of the young, up-and-coming contenders — not a has-been who has no knees.”
Garry didn’t stop there, pointing out the new wave of welterweight talent: himself, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales — all tall, long, dangerous, and in peak physical form.
“If I was Islam, I’d want to fight Usman too — it’s an easy paycheck, it’s an easy win. But when you’ve got the likes of me, Prates, Morales, Shavkat — that’s way more dangerous than a guy who used to be the greatest.”
Garry, who defeated Prates in his most recent fight, bounced back impressively after suffering his first career loss to Rakhmonov at UFC 310. Despite Rakhmonov being sidelined with injury, Garry still believes the undefeated Kazakh earned his No. 1 ranking but says momentum and availability are what truly matter now.
“Yes, he won the No. 1 contender fight. But the sport moves on,” Garry said. “When you’ve got me, Morales, Prates, Gabriel Bonfim — it’s going to be hard for him to just walk back and get a title shot.”
Ultimately, Garry believes his performance at UFC Qatar will make the decision inevitable.
“When I knock out Belal this weekend, I’m the No. 1 contender,” Garry declared. “Islam Makhachev needs to defend the belt against the best welterweights on the planet — and that starts with me.”
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