Dana White’s decision put on blast as Ian Garry questions title shot snub

UFC welterweight Ian Garry slams Dana White for giving rising Australian fighter the title opportunity at UFC 315.

Dana White’s decision put on blast as Ian Garry questions title shot snub

Ian Garry wasn't satisfied with Dana White's decision to give Jack Della Maddalena the title shot (via Imago)

The UFC welterweight division is stacked with elite fighters, all hungry for a title shot. Among them, Ian Garry has remained a standout, consistently proving his skills over the years. However, his momentum took a hit in his last fight when he suffered his first career loss. This setback didn’t go unnoticed, prompting Dana White to take decisive action.

Currently, one of the biggest upcoming welterweight bouts is Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. It will be Muhammad’s first-ever title defense and Della Maddalena was the secondary pick. White picked JDM after top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov got injured. However, according to Garry, it was not a fair decision at all. 

I had a No. 1 contender’s fight with a guy I lost 3-2 to. Now that guy needs to get a knee reconstruction. So instead, they’re giving it to Jack, who hasn’t fought in over a year. But that’s alright; I’ll be back soon.

Ian Garry via Instagram 
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Garry also mentioned that he’s ready to make his comeback during International Fight Week and is ready to fight anybody. With #5 ranked Sean Brady fighting with former champion Leon Edwards, Garry doesn’t have many options. The former champion of the welterweight division, Kamaru Usman, is available. However, there is no surety about his intentions to fight. 

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Given the circumstances, the most appropriate name for Garry could be Joaquin Buckley, who has shown interest in fighting the Irishman. The pair have shared a rivalry, making this fight intriguing. Buckley is currently on a six fight win streak and ranked one place above Garry. While these are just speculations, only time will tell what’s next for the rising Irish star. 

Ian Garry is confident about his rematch with Shavkat Rakhmonov 

At UFC 310 in Las Vegas, Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated Ian Garry by unanimous decision in a five-round bout. It was originally a title fight, but Belal Muhammad had to pull out due to injury. It paved the way for Garry to come in as a replacement. Rakhmonov’s clinches controlled much of the fight, but Garry showcased impressive defense, and nearly secured a rear-naked choke in the final round. 

Ian Garry wants his rematch with Shavkat Rakhmonov
Ian Garry wants his rematch with Shavkat Rakhmonov (via X)

Notably, Garry experienced a wardrobe malfunction, changing shorts mid-fight due to a tear. This victory positioned Rakhmonov for a future title shot against welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Garry believes that it was a close bout and that he will get an opportunity to take his revenge in the future.

I was a takedown away from winning that fight, and I would love to run it back one day, and I would love to avenge that loss. And I’m excited because I believe that guy is going to hold the belt one day. We said it. We both knew, and I said it that fight week, I believe me and Shavkat are going to meet each other far more than once in our careers

Ian Garry via Instagram 

If Muhammad manages to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, he will definitely face Rakhmonov later this year. While many fans and experts think that the Kazakh fighter is the biggest challenge, Muhammad isn’t necessarily concerned. It will be interesting to see how the welterweight division shapes up in the upcoming months.

Unusual opponent for Ian Garry next?

Ian Garry had an incredible debut in the UFC as the fighter used his Irish background to get Conor McGregor‘s support. He tried his best to bring the same energy that ‘The Notorious’ brought in his early years. On top of that, consistent wins boosted his hype among fight fans. 

Ian Garry believes he can become the champ
Ian Garry believes he can become the champ (via MMA Fighting)

With time, the rising Irish fighter had to face criticism, especially due to Colby Covington who brought Garry’s wife into the beef. Garry was mad and wanted to settle the rivalry inside the octagon, but never got an opportunity. This could be the Irishman’s next bout if Covington returns to fight this year.

Related: Ian Garry Net Worth, UFC contract, Endorsements and House