UFC welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has Belal Muhammad in his sights for a potential Madison Square Garden showdown.
Ian Machado Garry and former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad could be on a collision course for their returns to the Octagon later this year.
Muhammad lost the UFC welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena last month at UFC 315. After defeating Leon Edwards for the belt last year, Muhammad opted for a striking-heavy approach against Maddalena, and it cost him in a big way in Montreal.
While Garry believes Maddalena looked ‘sloppy’ in the Octagon at UFC 315, he thinks Muhammad’s decision to take a one-dimensional approach cost him the world championship.
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Ian Machado Garry warns Belal Muhammad about a potential UFC booking
Muhammad admitted after UFC 315 that he regrets not utilizing his elite wrestling against Maddalena inside the Octagon. While Muhammad had some dangerous moments on the feet, Maddalena landed the heavier shots over five rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Muhammad has recently been linked to a potential showdown with Shavkat Rakhmonov for his return to the cage. But amid Rakhmonov’s uncertain timeline for a return due to recent health issues, Garry could be a potential fit for his comeback opponent.
In a recent Instagram post, Garry called out Muhammad for their UFC returns.
“I believe Belal lost to JDM due to his EGO trying to stand and bang when he should have taken JDM down. Surely he won’t try to stand and bang with me? Surely not,” Garry said.
“I am going to box the ears off you because I’m the best in this division, hands down.
“Belal, learn from your last loss and never ever, ever try and stand and bang with me.”
Garry most recently defeated Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City earlier this year after suffering his first professional loss to Rakhmonov in December.
After Garry’s callout, it didn’t take Muhammad long to take notice.
“I’ll see you at MSG,” Muhammad replied in a recent post to X.
Muhammad is referencing the UFC’s annual stop at Madison Square Garden in November for a UFC pay-per-view card. As of this writing, the UFC hasn’t announced its plans for November, but New York is expected to be a top destination.
Jack Della Maddalena set for likely showdown with Islam Makhachev
As welterweight contenders like Garry and Muhammad fight to stay in the mix, the newly-crowned champion Maddalena is on track for a super fight. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev will vacate his belt later this month for a move to the welterweight division.
Maddalena vs. Makhachev will likely take place by year’s end, as UFC CEO Dana White hinted during the UFC 316 post-fight press conference. Maddalena wants to face Makhachev in Perth, Australia, despite Makhachev’s team’s hesitance in granting that wish.
The UFC’s welterweight division is arguably the best it’s ever been, with a combination of fresh, new talent and elite veterans. Don’t be surprised if the welterweight throne changes hands multiple times over the next 12 months.