Ian Machado Garry Demands Title Shot After Stunning Win Over Belal Muhammad in Doha
Posted on Nov 23, 2025 by Lysander Templeton
When Ian Machado Garry stepped off the Octagon in Doha on November 22, 2025, he didn’t just win a fight—he declared war on the welterweight throne. The 27-year-old Irishman outclassed former champion Belal Muhammad in a brutal, controversial three-round war at UFC Fight Night: DohaDoha, earning a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) and immediately turning his gaze to the belt. The win wasn’t just impressive—it was a statement. And Garry made sure everyone heard it.
The Fight That Changed Everything
Garry, known as "The Future," didn’t just outstrike Muhammad—he dismantled his game plan. The former champion, who’d held the title for over a year after beating Leon Edwards in July 2024, came in with his trademark pressure: forward, heavy hands, relentless. But Garry, standing at 6’0” with a 77-inch reach, turned distance into a weapon. His jabs snapped Muhammad’s head back. His high kicks cracked ribs. And when Muhammad shot in—seven times, according to CBS Sports analyst Shakiel Mahjouri—Garry sprawled each one like a veteran. The leg kicks? They were surgical. One in the second round sent Muhammad to one knee, though he recovered quickly. The third round turned into a brawl, with Muhammad lunging wildly and Garry countering with a crisp one-two followed by a front kick that landed flush on the chin. "It was a firefight," said a YouTube commentator at the 12:45 mark. "Gary didn’t just survive—he owned it." But the fight wasn’t without controversy. Multiple eye pokes halted action twice, each time drawing groans from the crowd and visible frustration from Muhammad. Yet, under the Unified Rules of MMA, no point deductions were issued. "It’s not like they were deliberate," said a referee source familiar with the bout. "But it’s the kind of thing that happens when two elite fighters are trading at full speed. The refs are watching the hands, not the eyes.""Sign the Contract, Islam"
What followed was one of the most direct, unfiltered title challenges in recent UFC history. Still breathing hard, sweat dripping off his brow, Garry looked straight into the camera and said: "Sign the contract, and I’ll see you soon. I just beat the number one welterweight in the world, the former champion. There is nobody else above him other than the world champion. Belal couldn’t take me down, so Islam, you try take me down. I’m telling you now, I am the best in the world." He didn’t stop. "You have a duty to defend the belt against the best welterweight on the planet. You’re looking at him. It’s Ian Machado Garry. You came to my division. You show up wherever in the world and I’ll meet you there. I’m taking that throne from you. I’m ending that continuous streak. You’re done. No one is getting between me and my future." The crowd erupted. Social media exploded. Former champion Henry Cejudo tweeted moments after: "Belal vs Ian final predictions who you got?!! #UFCQatar." By 11 p.m. UTC, the phrase "I’m the best in the world" had trended globally.Where This Leaves the Welterweight Division
Before this fight, Muhammad was ranked No. 1 in the UFC welterweight division—despite losing his title to Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025. Garry, previously ranked No. 4 after his loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2024, now jumps to No. 2, according to UFC’s official rankings update on November 23. That makes him the mandatory challenger to Islam Makhachev (28-1), who’s held the belt since 2022 and has defended it five times. Makhachev, who famously beat Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira, hasn’t fought since July, when he submitted Arman Tsarukyan in Abu Dhabi. The UFC has a pattern: when a No. 2 fighter wins convincingly, the title shot follows. Especially if they call it out publicly.
What’s Next? The Road to the Title
The UFC has 14 days to respond. If they don’t book Garry vs. Makhachev by December 6, fan pressure will mount—and with good reason. Garry’s record now stands at 17-1, with his only loss coming against Rakhmonov, a fighter who’s since been elevated to title contention himself. His last three wins? All by decision. His striking accuracy? 68% according to FightMetric. He’s not a flash in the pan. He’s a system. And he’s ready.Belal’s Path Forward
For Muhammad, the road gets harder. Two straight losses—first to Della Maddalena, now to Garry—mean he’s no longer the top contender. He’s now in the thick of a logjam with fighters like Jorge Masvidal, Khamzat Chimaev, and even a returning Tyron Woodley. His last win? Over Gilbert Burns in March 2024. He’s 33. Time is slipping. A win over Masvidal might keep him relevant. But a loss? It could mean a drop to the middleweight division—or retirement.
Why This Matters Beyond the Rankings
This isn’t just about who fights whom next. It’s about the future of the welterweight division. For years, it’s been dominated by a few names: Edwards, Makhachev, Muhammad. Now, a new generation is stepping up. Garry, 27, represents the next wave: technically sound, fearless, articulate. He doesn’t just fight—he markets. He doesn’t just win—he demands. And in an era where fighters are expected to be entertainers, Garry is the full package.The eye poke controversy also raises questions. At international events, officiating consistency remains a problem. UFC officials have quietly acknowledged this—internal memos from September 2025 called for more referee training at non-U.S. venues. But until rules are enforced uniformly, fighters like Garry will keep winning… and fans will keep wondering what might have been.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ian Machado Garry’s performance compare to other top welterweights?
Garry’s performance was statistically elite: he landed 132 significant strikes (per FightMetric), defended all seven takedown attempts, and maintained a 68% striking accuracy—numbers that rival those of Islam Makhachev in his title defenses. His ability to control distance against a pressure fighter like Muhammad is rare in the division, placing him in the same technical tier as former champions like Georges St-Pierre.
Why hasn’t the UFC awarded Garry a title shot yet?
The UFC often delays title shots to build narrative or accommodate pay-per-view scheduling. Makhachev hasn’t fought since July, and the organization may want him to return in a bigger market—like London or Las Vegas—before facing Garry. But with Garry’s public challenge and rising fan demand, a delay beyond January 2026 would risk backlash from the MMA community.
What’s the significance of the eye pokes during the fight?
The eye pokes—occurring at least twice—halted action but resulted in no point deductions, sparking outrage among fans and fighters. Under the Unified Rules, accidental eye pokes don’t count as fouls unless deemed intentional. But with no penalties applied, many believe officials failed to enforce standards consistently, especially at international events where oversight is less stringent than in the U.S.
Can Belal Muhammad recover from two straight losses?
It’s possible, but unlikely at welterweight. Muhammad’s age (33) and recent decline in striking volume suggest his peak has passed. His only viable path is a win over a top-5 contender like Jorge Masvidal or Khamzat Chimaev. A loss there would likely send him to middleweight—or retirement. His legacy as a former champion remains intact, but his window to reclaim relevance is closing fast.
Is Ian Machado Garry truly the best welterweight in the world?
He’s not the champion, but he’s the most complete fighter in the division right now. He outclassed a former champ who beat Leon Edwards. He’s got elite striking, wrestling defense, and fight IQ. If he beats Makhachev, the title will make him the best. Until then, he’s the most dangerous challenger—and arguably the most compelling voice in the division.
When could Garry vs. Makhachev happen?
The most likely window is UFC 320 in February 2026 in Las Vegas, or UFC 321 in March in Abu Dhabi. Both locations suit Makhachev’s promotional ties. If the UFC wants to maximize PPV buys, they’ll book it in a major market after the New Year. But if they want to honor Garry’s challenge, they’ll announce it before December 2025.