Ian Machado Garry negotiated specific terms with the UFC for accepting a short-notice fight against Carlos Prates: a win had to guarantee him the immediate next opportunity to challenge for the welterweight championship.
Following his decision victory over Prates at UFC Kansas City, Garry is now positioned as the backup fighter for the upcoming main event this Saturday between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. While highly confident that the UFC will uphold their promise regarding a title shot afterward, Garry admitted there`s one particular scenario that would require him to yield his claim.
“Should Jack secure the win and Islam [Makhachev] opts to move up, everyone else falls in line,” Garry stated during the UFC 315 media day on Wednesday. “As the world`s top pound-for-pound fighter, you`ve earned that distinction, that status.”
He elaborated, “If you`re looking to climb up and compete for that belt, everyone will respectfully step back and allow you to do so because that`s the esteem that man deserves.”
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has frequently expressed interest in capturing a second title. However, he has also made it abundantly clear that he would never compete against Belal Muhammad, who is both a close friend and a regular training partner. Makhachev`s coach, Khabib Nurmagomedov, reinforced this stance, emphatically stating they would not pursue the welterweight title while Muhammad is champion.
Naturally, this dynamic would completely shift if Della Maddalena were to defeat Muhammad on Saturday.
While Garry is prepared to yield to Makhachev given the specific circumstances necessary for him to transition to the 170-pound division, the 27-year-old Irish fighter doesn`t anticipate this situation actually occurring.
“I believe Belal will win this weekend, and when he does, the biggest potential fight is undoubtedly me versus Belal, preferably in his own territory,” Garry declared. “My desire is for it to happen in Chicago. I want to sell out the venue. I want to be the one to make that happen, and I want to take his championship belt in his own city.”
Rumors have circulated suggesting the UFC plans a return to Chicago in the near future, though it remains uncertain whether Muhammad would be available or ready until after his bout against Della Maddalena at UFC 315.
Regardless of his physical state post-fight, Garry contends that Muhammad would be making a mistake by passing up the chance to compete in his hometown, setting the perfect stage for another welterweight title encounter.
“I think it would be illogical for him not to want to fight in his hometown and defend his title on home soil,” Garry remarked. “Regardless of who his opponent is.”
Despite his ambition to take the title from him, Garry holds considerable respect for Muhammad and the arduous path he took to finally become champion. There`s no genuine animosity between them, and Garry promised he would shoulder all the promotional duties if the UFC books the fight.
“Belal is the world champion, and based on everything I`ve observed – admittedly, I don`t know him personally on a deep level – he seems like a good person,” Garry commented. “He appears focused and not involved in unnecessary drama or trivial matters.”
He concluded, “From his perspective, I believe facing me next would be a strategic move. I`ll take responsibility for all the demanding work involved in promoting the event. I`ll handle generating excitement and creating buzz. All he needs to do is show up so I can claim the belt.”
Marcus Blakely 
Wesley Dunham