Ian Machado Garry is upset about being overlooked for a UFC title shot after losing a close fight to Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was originally set to challenge Belal Muhammad for the title before getting injured, leading the UFC to choose Jack Della Maddalena as Muhammad’s opponent instead.
Ian Machado Garry isn’t too thrilled about being passed over for a UFC title shot. In May, UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Originally, Shavkat Rakhmonov was supposed to challenge Muhammad, but an injury sidelined him, prompting the UFC to choose Maddalena instead. Garry, who narrowly lost to Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December, is fuming.
“I had a chat with my agent,” Garry vented on Instagram. “I rang him when I heard this news, and I was livid. Still am to this day.” He added, “I had a No. 1 contender’s fight where the guy now needs knee reconstruction and is out for a year! But you know, it’s not my fault.”
Garry continued, “I didn’t stab his knee 20-something times and boot the leg off. I’m not fighting for a world title because I’m coming off a loss, and they’re giving it to a guy who’s been injured for a year. They think that’s more exciting, but they’re wrong.”
The title fight was supposed to feature Rakhmonov against Muhammad. However, with Rakhmonov injured—cue image of Garry attacking Rakhmonov’s knee—they’re bringing in Maddalena instead. Garry’s frustration is palpable: “I’m coming off a loss. That’s OK. I’ll get you all.”
Garry does have reason to be upset. His bout with Rakhmonov was billed as a No. 1 contender fight, and he stepped in last minute to save the card when Muhammad withdrew due to injury. Although he admits defeat, Garry came closer than anyone else to beating Rakhmonov.
“Do I think I won against Shavkat? No,” Garry admitted. “But I was very close… In my mind, I was a takedown away from winning that fight.” He believes they’ll meet again and expects Rakhmonov to hold the belt one day.
However, any rematch won’t happen soon. Needing a win to vie for the title again, Garry plans to return this summer to make his case. “I would like to fight International Fight Week, June 28,” he stated. “I don’t care who they put in front of me. I just want to prove I’m the best in the world.”