Ian Machado Garry enters UFC Struggle Evening 265 in Doha, Qatar, on November 22 with a transparent mission: defeat No. 1–ranked Belal Muhammad and power his means into title competition.
The Irishman, 27, brings a 16-1 skilled file, having risen from Cage Warriors champion to a top-10 UFC contender by means of a string of decisive victories, together with wins over Neil Magny, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates and Michael Page. Muhammad, 37, is a former UFC welterweight champion who reclaimed prime contender standing after falling to Jack Della Maddalena in Could 2025; he holds a 24–4 file with eleven straight resolution wins in UFC competitors.
Ian Machado Garry: I’ll ‘Maul’ Belal Muhammad At UFC Doha, Qatar
In an trade with Mega Tips List, Garry laid out his plan in stark phrases:
“A win over Belal Muhammad signifies that my subsequent struggle is for a world title. To make sure that I get my title shot I would like to complete him and make it completely evident that I’ve simply mauled the No 1 Welterweight on this planet. I’ll go away little doubt and no questions come November twenty second in Qatar, that Ian Machado Garry is the most effective Welterweight on this planet.
“You’re gonna see pace such as you’ve by no means seen within the octagon earlier than. Belal Muhammad, a revered former Champion, shall be made to appear to be an newbie in entrance of your very eyes. You watched me decimate Neil Magny, shut down Shavkat, piece up Prates, now you’re about to witness the best model of The Future — Qatar you’re very fortunate certainly!”
The stakes are excessive for each males. Muhammad earned the belt by unanimous resolution over Leon Edwards in July 2024, then misplaced it by way of unanimous resolution to Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in Could 2025. His grappling pedigree features a 90 p.c takedown protection price and a popularity for grinding tempo and quantity putting. Garry counters with a background in boxing and judo, combining exact putting and a rising submission sport; his lone defeat got here to Rakhmonov in a title eliminator at UFC 310.
Garry’s trajectory has been swift. He debuted in the UFC in November 2021 with a knockout of Jordan Williams, then followed with five more victories in just over two years. His performance metrics: 7 knockouts, 1 submission and 8 decision wins. This shows an evolving finisher who adapts to each opponent’s weaknesses. Muhammad, by contrast, is known for methodical pressure.
A end over a fighter lauded for his sturdiness would mark an unprecedented turning level. For Muhammad, a win reaffirms his standing atop the division and units up a probable showdown with the rising champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
Doha’s Lusail Sports activities Area will host Struggle Evening 265, its first worldwide UFC occasion in Qatar. The winner not solely claims bragging rights however secures a title shot that might redefine the 170-pound panorama.
