MMA Pros Dismiss Ian Machado Garry’s Title Shot Claim Despite UFC Qatar Victory

The Welterweight Verdict: Why Ian Machado Garry’s Win Didn’t Guarantee a Title Shot

Following his hard-fought victory at UFC Qatar, rising Welterweight star Ian Machado Garry found himself in a familiar position: victorious, but facing intense scrutiny from his peers regarding his championship aspirations. While the undefeated Irishman secured a crucial win in the co-main event, the consensus among top professional fighters is clear: Garry has not yet earned the right to challenge for the 170-pound title.

The immediate reaction from the MMA community suggests that despite his perfect professional record, Garry’s performance was not dominant enough to leapfrog the established queue of contenders currently waiting for a shot at the champion. This sentiment highlights the intense logjam at the top of the Welterweight division in 2025.

The Fight Context: A Hard-Fought Three Rounds

Ian Machado Garry entered the cage at UFC Qatar with significant hype, aiming to solidify his position in the top-10 rankings. The three-round co-main event was a gritty affair that tested Garry’s resilience and tactical approach, ultimately ending in his favor. While a win is invaluable, the nature of the contest—which lacked the decisive finish or overwhelming dominance often expected of a title challenger—fueled the debate among observers.

For a fighter to jump the line in a stacked division, they typically need a performance that is undeniable, often involving a spectacular knockout or a flawless five-round shutout against a high-caliber opponent. Garry’s victory, while important for his record, fell short of this high bar in the eyes of many seasoned professionals.

The Contender’s Critique: Belal Muhammad Weighs In

One of the most vocal critics of Garry’s immediate title aspirations was Belal Muhammad, a top contender who has been patiently awaiting his own championship opportunity. Muhammad, known for his rigorous approach to the rankings, was unequivocal in his assessment of Garry’s status.

Muhammad argued that Garry needs to prove himself against the division’s elite, specifically targeting former champions or highly ranked veterans who have previously challenged for the belt. His suggested opponents for Garry were highly specific:

• Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson: A veteran striker and two-time title challenger known for his unique style and durability.
• Colby Covington: A former interim champion and two-time title challenger, known for his relentless pace and wrestling dominance.

Muhammad emphasized that a win over a fighter of this caliber is necessary to validate Garry’s claim to the top spot, stating clearly:

“No way he deserves a title shot. He needs to fight a former champion or a top contender. He needs to fight ‘Wonderboy’ or Colby Covington.”

This statement underscores the prevailing belief that Garry’s undefeated record, while impressive, lacks the signature win over a truly established, championship-level gatekeeper.

The Welterweight Logjam: Context in the 170-Pound Division

The Welterweight division is notoriously difficult to navigate, currently boasting several fighters with legitimate claims to the next title shot. This competitive landscape makes it nearly impossible for a fighter, even an undefeated one, to bypass the established hierarchy without a massive, career-defining win.

Key contenders currently ahead of Garry in the conversation include:

• Belal Muhammad: Widely considered the rightful number-one contender, having amassed a significant winning streak against elite competition.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov: Another undefeated powerhouse whose finishing rate and dominance have made him a terrifying prospect for the champion.
• Colby Covington: Despite recent losses in title fights, his high profile and past success keep him relevant in the upper echelon.

For Garry to secure a title shot, he would likely need to defeat one of these names in a definitive manner, proving he can handle the pressure and skill level of a five-round main event or title eliminator.

The Need for a Title Eliminator

The professional consensus suggests that the UFC should book Garry in a title eliminator bout against a former champion or a top-five ranked opponent. This would serve two purposes:

1. Validate Garry’s Status: It would provide the signature win that the MMA community is demanding to prove his readiness for a championship fight.
2. Clear the Queue: It would help streamline the Welterweight rankings, ensuring the next challenger is truly the most deserving.

Key Takeaways for Ian Machado Garry’s Future

Ian Machado Garry’s win at UFC Qatar was a step forward, but the reaction from his peers indicates that the final hurdle before championship contention is the highest one yet. The path forward, according to the veterans of the sport, is one of continued high-level competition, not immediate title contention.

• Title Shot Denied: The professional consensus is firmly against giving Garry an immediate title shot, citing a lack of a signature win over a former champion or top-five contender.
• Suggested Opponents: Top contender Belal Muhammad specifically named Stephen Thompson and Colby Covington as necessary next steps for Garry.
• Division Logjam: The highly competitive nature of the 170-pound division means Garry must wait his turn behind established contenders like Muhammad and Rakhmonov.
• The Next Step: Garry is expected to face a high-risk, high-reward opponent in his next outing, likely a five-round main event designed to test his championship readiness.

Conclusion: Proving Readiness, Not Just Winning

The reaction to Ian Machado Garry’s latest victory serves as a stark reminder that in the upper echelons of the UFC, winning is only half the battle; proving undeniable readiness for a championship opportunity is the other. While Garry remains undefeated and continues his ascent, the professional community has tasked him with a clear mandate: defeat a former champion or a certified top-five contender to silence the critics and truly earn his place in the title picture. Until then, the Welterweight gold remains just out of reach, regardless of the hype surrounding the young star.