Ian Machado Garry thinks he could be in line to challenge whoever emerges from UFC 322 as the welterweight champion.
On November 15 in New York City, the UFC’s annual pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden will be headlined by Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev’s title clash.
The highly anticipated matchup offers the Dagestani the chance to achieve two-division glory, the pursuit of which saw Makhachev vacate the UFC lightweight crown earlier this year.
All eyes in the 170-pound division will be on that UFC 322 showdown, and a number of contenders are already beginning to stake their claims for the next shot.
Garry, for one, knows how he can secure it…
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Ian Machado Garry says either Belal Muhammad or Sean Brady can get him to the title
Garry’s narrow decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024 dented his title hopes entering the new year, but the Irishman reignited them in style in his sole outing of 2025 thus far.
In the main event of UFC Kansas City this past April, Garry became the first to beat Carlos Prates in the promotion. And having returned to winning ways, ‘The Future’ thinks one more victory will be enough to cement his maiden championship opportunity.
When it comes to the opponent who can ensure that is the case, Garry has two names in mind.
“The two people I want to fight right now are Sean Brady and Belal Muhammad,” Garry told MMA Knockout on Sports Illustrated.
“They’re number one and number two in the world. And a win over either of those (guys), as I believe, cements me as the number one contender and next for that belt. And that’s what I want.”
Brady would no doubt welcome that fight, having called for it many times across recent months and even accused Garry of rejecting offers.
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Ian Machado Garry’s prediction for Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev
During the same interview, the former Cage Warriors champion revealed who he expects to be holding the title when he has his shot.
The Irishman gave a bold prediction, with Garry believing Della Maddalena could knock out Makhachev at UFC 322.
“Stylistically, it’s a great fight,” Garry said. “Islam is phenomenal everywhere, and he is only getting better everywhere, but so is Jack.
“And I just feel like the size difference, ‘JDM’ couldn’t physically make 155lbs, and I genuinely believe, I think JDM has the opportunity to go out here and knock Islam out.”