“The Future” Gets His Wish

UFC President Dana White has officially announced that Ian Machado Garry will serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming welterweight title showdown between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. The championship bout is scheduled for May 10 at UFC 315.

Garry (16-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) is fresh off a gritty win in the main event of UFC on ESPN 66, which took place this past Saturday in Kansas City, Missouri. Stepping into the cage with surging contender Carlos Prates (21-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC), the Irish welterweight emerged victorious via unanimous decision, holding strong despite a high-pressure final round.

This latest appearance continued Garry’s trend of taking fights on short notice, a streak that began with his late-notice clash against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December.

Following his most recent win, Garry spoke to Paul Felder inside the Octagon, reiterating his readiness to step into the title fight at UFC 315 if needed.
“21 days’ notice against Shavkat (Rakhmonov). 25 days’ notice against this man (Prates) tonight. He’s a beast,” Garry stated. “Well, in two weeks’ time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight, and I’m next in line for that world title!”

White later confirmed the arrangement during the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference.
“It’s official,” he said, validating Garry’s backup role.
“Credit to Ian, takes these fights on short notice,” White added. “He’ll fight anybody. He looked good tonight.”

Belal Muhammad will be making his first title defense since dethroning Leon Edwards in July 2024. Opposite him stands Jack Della Maddalena, who rides into the fight on an impressive 17-fight win streak, including seven UFC victories, aiming to make a lasting mark in the division.

Garry’s only loss in the UFC came against Rakhmonov in that short-notice bout last year. Before that, he had compiled eight straight wins in the organization and has now rebounded with a determined performance against Prates, reinforcing his status as a serious contender in the welterweight ranks.

Paul Browne

Paul Browne is a professional mixed martial arts commentator, feature writer and podcaster based in Dublin, Ireland.