Jack Della Maddalena is scheduled to face Belal Muhammad for the latter’s UFC welterweight title at UFC 315. Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry will be the backup fighter for the contest after securing a victory in his last outing.
Jack Della Maddalena Open to Face Ian Machado Garry if Belal Muhammad Can’t Fight at UFC 315
Garry is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Carlos Prates, whom he bested in the headlining match of UFC Kansas City late last month. Following that, UFC CEO Dana White affirmed that Garry would be the official backup fighter for the upcoming title fight between Muhammad and Della Maddalena.
During a conversation with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Della Maddalena was asked whether he’d be willing to fight Garry if Muhammad pulled out of UFC 315. The striking savant responded by emphasizing that he’s also prepared to beat Garry.
“Yeah, a 100%, I’d be comfortable fighting Ian Garry,” Della Maddalena said. “I think that’s a fight that’s going to happen. And, yeah, I’ve mentally prepared myself for that fight. I reckon I could take him out.”
“This [backup spot] is their [UFC’s] way of thanking him [Garry] for stepping in on those tough fights.”
“So you’ve got to respect that. Not many people do that sort of thing, step in and win fights … So good on him,” the Australian added. I think that’s the UFC’s way of repaying him. It is what it is.”
However, Della Maddalena does not believe his scheduled fight with Muhammad will get derailed.
“I think with me and Belal–it’s on. I can’t see anything happening to the fight, me and Belal. But yeah, if anything changes, then no worries on my end.”
Della Maddalena indicated that having an official backup fighter for the matchup was good because, in case his opponent withdraws, he’d still have Garry as a replacement.
Often praised for his boxing and knockout power, Della Maddalena is unbeaten in the UFC organization thus far and is on a 17-fight MMA win streak after starting his career with a pair of defeats. He’s fresh off a knockout victory against Gilbert Burns in 2024.
On the other hand, Muhammad has won 10 of his last 11 fights, with one of them being an NC (No Contest) against Leon Edwards. “Remember the Name” is considered one of the best grapplers at 170 pounds and has earned plaudits for his improved striking in recent years. His last fight saw him outpoint Edwards in their rematch in 2024, thereby capturing the welterweight title.
The upcoming welterweight title match featuring Muhammad and Della Maddalena headlines UFC 315 at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on May 10, 2025.