After winning over Carlos Prates in UFC Kansas City two weeks ago, Ian Machado Garry is in Montreal to weigh in as a backup for the main event Welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena.
Garry, whose only loss is to Shavkat Rakhmonov, believes that he could be next in line for the winner of Muhammad vs Maddalena.
What Was Ian Machado Garry’s Takeaway From His Loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov?
The UFC originally planned to make Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov the main event at UFC 310, but the former withdrew due to a toe injury. Rakhmonov remained on the card and fought then-undefeated Garry in a five-round co-main event, winning via decision.
“The Future” recently reflected on the fight during an interview with MMAJunkie’s Mike Bohn. “After the Shavkat fight, the biggest thing I’ve learned I’m better than I think I am.” Garry said.
The 27-year-old believes it has given him the confidence to take fights on short notice. He credits that confidence with his acceptance of fighting Prates on relatively short notice and his victory.
"I'm better than I think I am."
Ian Machado Garry will be ready to step in on no-notice at #UFC315 – and win the title.
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/6n45RMBC8q
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) May 7, 2025
“That’s the benefit. I’m so much more talented than I’m aware I am. Every time I step in that Octagon, against these dangerous opponents, I’m able to defeat them with ease,” Garry added.
Therefore, Garry vowed to become the Welterweight champion at UFC 315 if either Muhammad or Maddalena pulls out for unforeseen reasons.
Despite Garry’s eagerness to fight for the undisputed title, UFC CEO Dana White had already assured Rakhmonov would get the next title shot. However, if “The Nomad” needs extended recovery time, Garry might get his wish.
Ian Machado Garry Opens Up About How His Backup Role Came To Be
Even before UFC announced Garry as the backup for UFC 315 main event, the Irishman had already disclosed that he would be in the front row for the anticipated Welterweight title fight.
During the UFC 315 media day interview, a reporter asked Garry whether the UFC or he first suggested the backup role. “It wasn’t an approach situation, It was a negotiation situation,” Garry replied.
“I made sure that when I took the fight against Carlos Prates, you take a fight on short notice against a dangerous opponent, I turned around, and we came up with a plan of saying, “Okay, cool, I’ll do it, but I want something else in return,” Garry added.
The 27-year-old wanted to ensure that he was close to an undisputed title shot and found no better way than to be the backup for UFC 315. When asked whether Muhammad would quickly turn around to fight him, Garry pointed out that he would be weighing in as a backup, two weeks after a hard-fought victory over Prates at UFC Kansas City.