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Just days after his unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates at UFC Kansas City on April 26, 2025, Ian Machado Garry has revealed an unprecedented contract clause that could result in “the biggest heist in UFC history.” Irish welterweight, the undefeated fighter, has secured a backup fighter position ahead of his upcoming UFC 315 title bout, which could see him earn a shot at the title on just two weeks’ notice.
Ian Machado Garry’s strategic contract negotiation opens an unexpected title path
Ian Machado Garry disclosed during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, “I negotiated it into my contract that when I win, I get the opportunity to go and be the backup,” following his dominant performance against Carlos Prates. The 27-year-old fighter explained that his willingness to save UFC cards by accepting short-notice bouts has earned him this rare opportunity.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed at the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference that Ian Machado Garry will in fact be the official backup for the welterweight championship bout between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, which takes place May 10, 2025, at UFC 315 in Montreal, Canada.
Ian Machado Garry, however, was quick to announce he would travel to Las Vegas to get the best recovery treatment possible, despite the fact that he came off a gruelling five-round battle. “Could anybody slip up? If so, what would the world look like?” He is seen as it would be the biggest heist in UFC history, fighting twice in 14 days, and the possibility of UFC gold.
Welterweight division tensions rise as Joaquin Buckley’s confrontation adds to the storyline
Following UFC Kansas City fight week, the welterweight landscape has become increasingly convoluted with an altercation between Ian Machado Garry and fifth-ranked contender Joaquin Buckley. Buckley made an appearance at Garry’s weigh-in and is said to have approached the Irishman’s family, causing a tense situation.
Ian Machado Garry commented that Joaquin Buckley’s actions were just desperation. “So he can’t do stuff he does, he can’t generate enough talk about himself, so he has to try and piggyback off other people.”
Although Ian Machado Garry is acknowledging physical soreness from his recent five-round contest, he is confident he will be able to compete at UFC 315 if called upon. But the welterweight contender also predicted that current champion Belal Muhammad will beat Della Maddalena and then go on to challenge himself in the future.
UFC 315, featuring a welterweight title fight between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, will be live on pay-per-view on May 10, 2025. Prelims will be on ESPN+.
Also Read: UFC Shake-Up: Tom Aspinall Reportedly Agrees to Ciryl Gane Fight as Jon Jones Unification Bout Stalls
With top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov sidelined by injury, Ian Machado Garry’s unprecedented contractual arrangement could potentially reshape the welterweight division’s immediate future in dramatic fashion.
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