Last Saturday, Ian Machado Garry made a statement with his main event win at UFC Kansas City. Following his victory, he announced that he will serve as the backup fighter for the upcoming UFC 315 welterweight title match between champion Belal Muhammad and challenger Jack Della Maddalena.
Garry stepped in to face Carlos Prates on short notice at UFC Kansas City. During an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, he revealed that he had included a special clause in his contract. If he won against Prates, he would become the backup fighter for the championship bout. After winning by unanimous decision, the UFC honored this agreement.
Being named the backup fighter for a title match can indicate your status in the division, but it does not guarantee an immediate title shot. Machado Garry is confident he deserves a title fight next, although the UFC has not confirmed this. “I believe I'm next. That's the way I believe it. I made sure when I took this fight that I was given another opportunity because that's what happens when you save cards. You get opportunities,” Garry stated.
He emphasized his commitment by negotiating for the backup role, asserting that taking back-to-back fights on short notice should yield rewards. “When you save the UFC in two cards in a row, those rewards pay off,” he added.
Garry is vocal about his place in the welterweight division and feels he is the most exciting fighter right now. “There’s no one getting as much attention. If you put the champion of the welterweight division against Ian Machado Garry, I believe I will win,” he declared.
Despite his confidence, Garry admitted he has not been promised a title fight beyond his role as the backup for UFC 315. “I have not been promised anything,” he said, leaving the door open for future opportunities.
