Ian Machado Garry Sends a Warning to the Welterweight Division With One Name in Mind
We are just moments away from watching Islam Makhachev defend his welterweight title for the first time against Ian Machado Garry. While many expect the Dagestani to extend his winning streak, ‘The Future’ is so confident that he has already named the man he would give a title shot to if he wins.
The Irishman is confident that he will not only shock the world but also shut everyone up after UFC 330. Just how confident is he? Let’s take a look at his words.
Ian Machado Garry Has a Clear Choice for the Next Title Shot
The welterweight division is crowded with several contenders eyeing the next title opportunity; however, Garry believes the pecking order is quite clear. With Michael Morales serving as the backup for UFC 330, ‘The Future’ said he would give Carlos Prates the next title shot, provided he gets past Islam Makhachev.
“Listen, I called him last week, we chatted about it but there is only one,” Garry said during UFC 330 media day. “There is only one person who has earned or deserves the title shot after this fight and it’s Carlos Prates. All the other guys haven’t done enough.”
He further added, “Carlos Prates has earned it. Nobody else in the entire division has earned it. They all need to fight at least one more fight. Prates is coming off two fights against two guys that have never been finished, and he did it in an insane fashion.”
With a three-fight winning streak, Carlos Prates is certainly riding a remarkable run, and that’s because he has knocked out two former champions back-to-back. He knocked out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 and Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night 275.
He has seven victories and just one loss in the UFC, and he has said yes to every fight Dana White has thrown his way. That's why Ian Machado Garry is so keen on fighting him, especially after defeating him at UFC on ESPN 66.
That said, Prates is not the only individual ‘The Future’ has named.
Garry wants to run it again against Shavkat Rakhmonov
With a career record of 17 victories and just one loss, Ian Machado Garry is certainly one of the elite welterweights in the promotion right now. However, his lone loss came at the hands of none other than Shavkat Rakhmonov himself.
“Shavkat Rakhmonov, whenever he comes back, again I wish him recovery. Someone told me yesterday that there’s been some hardship in his life,” Garry said.
Following their fight, Rakhmonov suffered a knee injury, and it has now been nearly two years since his last UFC appearance. As of August, there have been no signs of his comeback, but he was recently seen sparring as part of his ongoing training camp. Garry gave us a quick update on his situation, revealing that he has been facing some difficulties in his life.
“I wish him well. I wish him good health. I hope that everything goes well for him because there are more important things than fighting, and family and long-term health are far more important than fighting. Shavkat, I wish you all the best. But when he comes back to that octagon, there’s only one person he’s fighting, and it’s me,” said Garry.
With two opponents already revealed by Ian Machado Garry, it appears that he would like to have a busy schedule. First of all, he will have to defeat Islam Makhachev.
