Ian Garry Benched for Islam
UFC has benched Ian Garry, the No. 2 ranked welterweight contender, despite teasing a possible title shot. Instead, they're planning a "much bigger" fight for returning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Garry has been taking shots at Makhachev on social media, prompting responses from Makhachev's manager.
Islam Makhachev's move to the 170-pound welterweight division culminated in him capturing the championship, solidifying his status as a two-division champion after a dominant run as the lightweight king. This ascent to the top of a new weight class has positioned him as the UFC's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. Ian Machado Garry, an undefeated Irish prospect, has been steadily climbing the welterweight ranks with a string of victories. His recent wins include a unanimous decision over former title challenger Belal Muhammad, which further cemented his position as a top contender in the division. Garry has been actively campaigning for a title shot against Makhachev, using social media to call out the champion and even traveling to Georgia to specifically train his wrestling in preparation for a potential bout with the Dagestani fighter. This public campaign created a significant buzz among MMA fans and media. Despite Garry's efforts and the seeming logic of a champion-versus-top-contender matchup, Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently revealed that the UFC is planning a "much bigger" fight for the welterweight champion that does not involve Garry. This sudden shift has left the welterweight title picture in a state of uncertainty. The identity of this "bigger" opponent for Makhachev remains a closely guarded secret, with speculation running rampant throughout the MMA community. This development leaves Ian Garry, despite his high ranking and active pursuit of the title, on the outside looking in, awaiting news of his next opponent.
