Ian Machado Garry is willing to settle his dispute with Jack Della Maddalena.
Earlier this month, Della Maddalena secured the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Garry was the designated backup fighter for this event. Following the fight, Della Maddalena`s coach made critical remarks about Garry, suggesting he needed to improve his finishing capabilities. This prompted a strong reaction from Garry during a recent interview.
Garry retorted by noting Della Maddalena`s own finishing record, pointing out only one finish in his last four bouts. He questioned the coach`s advice about finding power and asserted his striking superiority over Belal Muhammad, even threatening to physically retaliate against Della Maddalena. Garry stated the coach should refrain from commenting on their situation. He clarified that his son offering M&Ms to Della Maddalena was a lighthearted joke aimed at the possibility of him missing weight, intended as harmless banter, not an attempt to gain fame. Garry emphasized he is solely focused on fighting and is ready to step in for a title shot if needed, vowing to take the belt from Della Maddalena`s hands.
Garry was referring to an interaction prior to UFC 315 where, as the alternate, he had his young son humorously give candy to Della Maddalena as a playful jab about weight cutting. Della Maddalena responded unusually harshly, casting doubt on the child`s paternity. Garry indicated his readiness to hold Della Maddalena accountable for this comment.
Garry explained the M&M joke was basic, low-level humor centered around the idea of missing weight and Garry stepping in for the title shot. He described Della Maddalena`s subsequent comments as immature and indicative of sensitivity, suggesting his actions during fight week must have significantly bothered Della Maddalena to provoke such an out-of-character response. Garry believes this vulnerability means he can mentally affect Della Maddalena in a potential fight, promising to increase the irritation. However, Garry maintained he would never attack Della Maddalena`s family, stating his focus is solely on defeating him in the octagon to win the belt without needing personal insults.
Unfortunately for Garry, a matchup isn`t imminent. Della Maddalena is expected to defend his title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev next, although a date is not yet confirmed. Given the competitive landscape in the welterweight division, Garry plans to stay active and earn his path towards a title challenge.
Garry estimated the Della Maddalena vs. Makhachev fight might happen around October. Regarding his own plans, he reiterated his commitment to constant activity. He sees himself as a fighter driven to compete frequently and prove his abilities by defeating top opponents, confident that the championship belt will eventually follow if he continues on this path.
Marcus Blakely