Ian Machado Garry Defeats Belal Muhammad, Demands Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev
23 November 2025
When Ian Machado Garry stepped into the octagon at the ABHA Arena in Doha on November 22, 2025, he didn’t just win a fight—he claimed a throne. The 28-year-old Dublin-born welterweight, already 16-1 heading into the bout, outworked former champion Belal Muhammad over five rounds, earning a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. It wasn’t the knockout he’d promised. But it didn’t matter. Because Garry didn’t just beat a former champ. He beat the man everyone agreed was the #1 contender. And now? He’s demanding the belt.
"I Am the Best in the World"
Three days before the fight, Garry stood before reporters and dropped a line that would echo through MMA circles: "My entire goal this weekend is to go out there and leave it undoubtable, unquestionable, undeniable that Ian Machado Garry is the best welterweight walking the planet right now." He didn’t stop there. He turned his eyes directly to Islam Makhachev, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, and said: "Islam better back it up and challenge me for that belt."
After the bell rang, Garry didn’t wait for the judges’ cards to be read. He grabbed a microphone from TNT Sports and didn’t just repeat his claim—he weaponized it. "I just beat the number one welterweight in the world," he declared, sweat still dripping, eyes locked on the camera. "There is nobody else above him other than the world champion. Belal couldn’t take me down, so Islam, you try take me down. I’m telling you now, I am the best in the world. You have a duty to defend that belt against the best welterweight in the world and you are looking at him."
He didn’t just want a title shot. He wanted to be seen as the inevitable next chapter.
The Road to #1: Dismissing the Past
Garry didn’t just target Makhachev—he dismantled the competition’s narrative. When Muhammad called out Kamaru Usman after his loss, Garry didn’t hesitate. "A has been," he said bluntly. "Someone who used to be, not is right now." He dismissed the idea that Usman, who retired from the UFC in 2024, had any relevance in the current welterweight hierarchy. "When you’ve got the likes of me, Morales, Prates, all of us contending to be the next best thing in this division, there’s no question."
He even took aim at Jack Della Maddalena, who’d dethroned Muhammad in May 2025. Watching that fight, Garry said, left him frustrated. "I looked at that and thought—did you not know you had a fight? Were you guys not prepared? I did not see any type of plan. I believe the Aussie and his team should be ashamed by the outcome in New York."
His critique wasn’t just about skill. It was about preparation. About respect. About who truly deserves to stand across Makhachev next.
Why This Fight Mattered More Than the Scorecards
Garry hadn’t finished a fight in over two and a half years. His last five wins—all by decision—had raised questions. Could he close the deal? Could he handle elite pressure? He’d beaten Carlos Prates and pushed Shavkat Rakhmonov to the limit, but none of those victories carried the weight of beating Muhammad.
But here’s the twist: he didn’t need the knockout. He needed the statement. And by outstripping Muhammad in striking volume, takedown defense, and cage control, he proved he could outlast the best. The 29-28 card? That was a minor hiccup. The other two? Flawless dominance. The crowd in Doha didn’t just cheer—they roared with recognition.
Even LowKickMMA noted the significance: "Garry’s style isn’t flashy, but it’s efficient. He doesn’t win with bombs—he wins with precision, timing, and relentless pacing. That’s the kind of fighter Makhachev can’t afford to underestimate."
The Makhachev Factor: A Clash of Cultures
There’s more here than rankings. There’s legacy. Makhachev, the Dagestani phenom, represents the brutal, ground-and-pound efficiency of the Caucasus. Garry, raised in Dublin with Portuguese roots and a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, embodies a different kind of warrior—one who blends technical polish with Irish grit. Their styles are polar opposites. And that’s exactly why the fight matters.
Garry’s manager confirmed to Bloody Elbow that talks are already underway for a 2026 title bout. The UFC, hungry for a marquee matchup, is listening. A fight in Dublin? Abu Dhabi? Las Vegas? Doesn’t matter. The demand is there. The narrative is set.
What’s Next? Golf, Glory, and the Belt
Here’s something you didn’t expect: Garry’s long-term plan includes turning pro in golf after MMA. "It’s not a joke," he told reporters. "I’ve been playing since I was 12. I love the silence of the game. The focus. The discipline. It’s like fighting, but quieter."
But for now? The golf clubs stay in the garage. The gloves are still on. And the belt? It’s not just a prize. It’s a promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ian Machado Garry’s performance against Belal Muhammad prove he’s the top contender?
Garry outstruck Muhammad 127 to 85 in significant strikes and defended all 11 takedown attempts, proving he could match—and exceed—the technical level of the former #1 contender. His control of distance and pace over five rounds silenced doubts about his ability to win decision fights at the highest level.
Why is Islam Makhachev the only logical next opponent for Garry?
Makhachev is the reigning champion, and Muhammad was the undisputed #1 contender before his loss. By defeating Muhammad, Garry inherited that spot. The UFC’s hierarchy demands the champion face the next in line, and with Garry’s public demands and media traction, there’s no credible alternative contender at this moment.
What does Garry’s criticism of Jack Della Maddalena reveal about his mindset?
Garry sees himself as the ultimate professional—someone who trains with precision and purpose. His critique of Della Maddalena’s performance wasn’t just about losing; it was about perceived lack of preparation. He’s positioning himself as the fighter who’s ready for the ultimate challenge, not just the next fight.
Could Kamaru Usman still be a threat to Makhachev?
No—Usman retired in 2024 after a loss to Leon Edwards and has not competed since. Garry’s dismissal of him as "a has been" reflects the reality: the current welterweight division has moved on. The new generation, including Garry, Prates, and Morales, now defines the division’s elite.
When could Garry vs. Makhachev realistically happen?
UFC officials are targeting early 2026, likely in the first quarter, to align with Makhachev’s recovery timeline and Garry’s post-fight momentum. Potential venues include Dublin, Abu Dhabi, or Las Vegas, with Dublin being the most emotionally charged option given Garry’s Irish roots.
Is Ian Machado Garry’s golf career a serious plan or just talk?
Garry has been playing competitively since age 12 and holds a single-digit handicap. His team confirms he’s already begun training with pro golf coaches and has spoken with PGA Tour advisors. While MMA remains his focus for now, he’s building a bridge to a second career—something few fighters plan with such clarity.