UFC CEO Dana White has officially announced that welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry is set to serve as the backup fighter for the main event at UFC 315. This high-stakes title contest, scheduled for May 10th in Canada, will feature champion Belal Muhammad defending his belt against challenger Jack Della Maddalena.
The news was first hinted at by Garry himself. Shortly after his victory over Carlos Prates in the UFC Kansas City main event, Garry revealed his plans to travel to Montreal the following month to make weight, ensuring he would be ready to step in should either planned fighter withdraw.
“21 days’ notice against Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. 25 days’ notice against this man tonight. He’s a beast,” Garry stated during his post-fight cage interview. “Well, in two weeks’ time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight, and I’m next in line for that world title!”
Later, during the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked to verify Garry`s claim. White confirmed the information, simply stating that “it’s official.”
White also took the opportunity to commend Garry`s willingness to take on challenges, remarking, “Credit to Ian, takes these fights on short notice. He’ll fight anybody. He looked good tonight.”
The planned main event at UFC 315 is a welterweight title bout. According to the announcement, champion Belal Muhammad is scheduled to defend his 170-pound championship against challenger Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad enters the fight with a significant undefeated run, while Maddalena brings a remarkable 17-fight win streak, including seven inside the UFC.
Garry`s recent decision victory over Prates marked his return to the win column. His only professional defeat came in December against Shavkat Rakhmonov in a bout taken on short notice, where he lost by decision. Prior to that, the Irish fighter had compiled an impressive record of eight consecutive victories under the UFC banner.
Wesley Dunham