Ian Machado Garry made waves after his dominant victory in the UFC Qatar co-main event, openly calling out Islam Makhachev and declaring he’s ready to put his money where his mouth is. Following his unanimous-decision win over Belal Muhammad, Garry didn’t just celebrate — he dropped a challenge that could reshape the welterweight picture.
Garry asserted, “Belal couldn’t take me down. So Islam, you try to take me down.” He backed that up with confidence, calling himself “the best in the world” and telling Makhachev, “You come into my division … show up wherever you want … and I’ll be there.”
Garry made it clear: he believes he deserves a shot at the belt and is ready to make a statement. According to him, Makhachev has a “duty” to defend his title against Garry, who thinks he’s the top contender in the division.
Garry’s performance in Qatar showed why he’s making this demand. He controlled the fight, using sharp striking and strong takedown defense to neutralize his experienced opponent. Observers noted how he mixed his strikes well — especially his leg kicks — and frustrated Muhammad with his range and precision.
Beyond just landing a big name, Garry is positioning himself as a symbol of a new generation. He’s not just fighting for a title opportunity; he’s staking a claim to be the next face of the division. He made a point of calling out other top names too, but it’s his callout to Makhachev that stole the spotlight.
Whether Makhachev accepts or not, Garry’s confidence is undeniable. He wants this fight, and he believes it’s his time. With his momentum and message, he might just have forced his way into the next big title conversation.
