Ian Garry Demands Islam Makhachev After Decisive Victory against Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar
For Ian Garry, UFC Qatar was an opportunity to prove that he’s the top contender for the welterweight championship. The fighter went against former champion Belal Muhammad and had promised a knockout finish, but instead had a bloody fight. Garry effectively outpointed Muhammad with sharp striking and composed defense across the competitive three-round battle.
Muhammad failed on all seven takedown attempts, while Ian Garry showcased exceptional defensive wrestling that consistently kept the entire fight standing. Garry opened a cut near Muhammad’s eye early and maintained relentless pressure with sharp combinations that steadily dictated the fight. Although Muhammad landed several significant shots, he continuously struggled with distance management and failed to establish any effective control.
Two accidental eye pokes from the Irishman occurred, yet Muhammad recovered each time and pushed forward without altering the competitive flow. Despite Muhammad’s persistence, Garry’s varied, constant movement prevented any sustained offensive success from the veteran welterweight.
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In the final round, Garry expertly matched Muhammad’s aggression while defending clinch attempts and delivering precise counters that sealed his decisive victory. The judges scored 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in Garry’s favor, and following that, the ‘Future’ made a massive callout against Islam Makhachev.
“I just beat the No. 1-ranked welterweight on the planet … Belal couldn’t take me down, Islam [Makhachev] you try to take me down. I’m the best in the world. You come into my division and you show up wherever you want in the world and I’ll be there. You’re done. Sign the contract and I will see you soon,” said Ian Garry during the Octagon interview.
Can Ian Garry fight Islam Makhachev for the belt next?
Last weekend at UFC 322, Islam Makhachev made history by beating Jack Della Maddalena and becoming the new welterweight champion. Since then, many top contenders, including Carlos Prates, Michael Morales, etc, have made a title call-out. However, Garry beating the #1 fighter in the division certainly positions him at the top of the list.
Makhachev had previously talked about defending his belt against former champion and welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman next. Nevertheless, now it’s on the UFC to find the most suitable contender for the newly crowned Dagestani champion.
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