After suffering the first loss of his UFC career to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Irish welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has voiced his discontent with the official rankings, asserting that his performance merits a higher placement. Despite the defeat, Garry remains confident in his standing as one of the top fighters in the division.
A narrow defeat to Shavkat Rakhmonov sparks debate.
Competing at UFC 310 earlier this month, Ian Machado Garry (15-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) faced Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) in a highly anticipated bout that many saw as a virtual title eliminator. While Rakhmonov secured a unanimous decision victory after five grueling rounds, the fight showcased Garry’s resilience and technical skill, with the Irishman coming close to securing a finish on multiple occasions.
Rakhmonov’s victory solidified his position as the next title challenger against reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. However, Garry, who remains ranked seventh in the division, expressed frustration during a recent interview with MMA Knockout, stating, “The way I see it, this fight was supposed to determine the No. 1 contender. If Shavkat cemented himself as No. 1 by winning, then I am undoubtedly No. 2. It’s unimaginable after my performance to say otherwise.”
Garry’s rise and ambitions in the UFC welterweight division.
Prior to UFC 310, Garry had been riding an impressive eight-fight winning streak, with notable victories over fighters like Michael Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny. His dynamic fighting style and charismatic personality have made him a fan favorite and one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC.
Despite the setback, Garry insists his performance against Rakhmonov demonstrated his elite status within the division. He added, “In my heart and soul, I know I’m one of the best in the world. The respect and support I’ve received from fans only reaffirm that. Whether the rankings reflect this or not, I’m ready and prepared to take on anyone, anytime , anywhere.”
What’s next for the Irish prospect?
While Garry’s aspirations of immediately contending for the welterweight title have been delayed, the fighter has hinted at his willingness to step in as a replacement if either Belal Muhammad or Shavkat Rakhmonov is unable to compete in their anticipated title bout. “If the UFC needs a backup fighter for that championship fight, I’ll be ready as always,” Garry asserted.
Looking ahead, the 26-year-old will need to regroup and potentially secure another high-profile win to solidify his claim as the division’s second-best fighter. With the welterweight division stacked with talent, including contenders like Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev, Garry’s path back to the top will be anything but easy.
Impact on rankings and UFC dynamics.
The debate surrounding Garry’s ranking highlights the subjective and often polarizing nature of UFC rankings, which are determined by a panel of media members. While rankings play a crucial role in determining title fights and matchups, Garry’s case underscores the potential disconnect between performance in the octagon and official placements.
For the UFC, this situation adds intrigue to an already competitive division. Fans and analysts alike are now speculating about Garry’s next opponent, with some suggesting a rematch against a top-five contender to further prove his mettle. Regardless, Garry’s confidence and determination to climb back up the rankings make him a fighter to watch closely in the coming months.
As the welterweight title picture continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: Ian Machado Garry is far from done. Whether as a replacement title challenger or through another marquee fight, the Irish prodigy is determined to make his mark and prove he belongs among the UFC’s elite.
