UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Ian Machado Garry as the backup fighter for the UFC 315 championship fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena on May 10 in Canada, after Garry’s recent victory in Kansas City.
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Ian Machado Garry will be the backup fighter for the UFC 315 championship fight. This bout features Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena on May 10 in Canada. Exciting stuff, right?
After his victory in the UFC Kansas City main event against Carlos Prates, Garry announced his plans. He’ll head to Montreal next month, ready to make weight as the contingency plan. Just in case something goes awry with either welterweight contender.
“21 days’ notice against Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. 25 days’ notice for tonight’s fight. He’s a beast,” Garry exclaimed in his in-cage interview. “In two weeks, I’m off to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight, and I’m next in line for that world title!”
During the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference, White was asked if this was true. His response? “It’s official.”
“Credit to Ian, taking fights on short notice,” White added. “He’ll fight anybody. He looked good tonight.”
Muhammad is set to defend his 170-pound belt for the first time since dethroning Leon Edwards in July 2024. Maddalena, on the other hand, is chasing history after winning 17 consecutive bouts, seven in the UFC.
Garry’s only UFC defeat came in a short-notice match against Rakhmonov last December. Despite the loss, he put on a commendable performance. With his recent decision win over Prates, the Irish talent is back in the winning column.