Ian Machado Garry has his sights set on Islam Makhachev following UFC Qatar.
Gary competed in a struggle final Saturday, sharing the Octagon with former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. “The Future” wins by unanimous determination and goals to take the title.
On the UFC Qatar post-fight press convention, Gary stated he believes he needs to be Makhachev’s No. 1 contender for gold (by way of MMAJunkie).
“Initially, I wish to say that I’ve nothing however respect for Islam Makhachev,” Garry stated. “He is the pound-for-pound No. 1 on this planet and the champion of my division. However while you come to my division and also you’re the one factor stopping me from attaining my goals, I am going to ensure to place a gap in your head. Subsequent he has to struggle me.”
Makhachev defeated Jacques Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in New York Metropolis to win the 170-pound title. There would not appear to be a scarcity of contestants for the newly topped welterweight champion. Michael Morales lately made a robust case for beginning Sean Brady within the first spherical.
Makhachev admitted that he wish to face Kamaru Usman subsequent. Shavkat Rakhmonov is probably the most intriguing choice for some MMA followers and specialists, however he has been stricken by accidents. Garry made it clear that he thought he was probably the most logical candidate.
“Nobody has fought deeper than this. Nobody has fought from high to backside. D-Rod, Magny, Jeff Neal, ‘MVP,’ Shafqat, Prates, now Belal Muhammad, and I have not even had an opportunity at a title but?” Machado Ghaly stated.
UFC matchmakers will lastly meet to determine the following step within the welterweight title struggle heading into 2026. MMA is certainly one of MMA’s most layered divisions, topped by some of the dominant champions within the historical past of the game.
