Irish UFC welterweight Ian Garry believes he should rank a lot higher in the wake of his loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Ian Garry (15-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) rallied late in a unanimous decision loss to Rakhmonov at UFC 310. It was a close affair, but ‘Nomad’ and his intense grappling controlled the fight for the most part.
Despite not coming out on top, Garry won hearts and proved Rakhmonov is human. The Irishman also put a dent in the 100 percent finish rate of the rival. Ian Garry does not take this as a ranking/Pound-for-pound listing weekly update snub. In his heart, he knows what he’s worth. As such, he made a bold declaration about his ranking at welterweight.
The way I look at this is that the fight against Shavkat was to be the No. 1 contender in the world, and go out and fight for the belt next, …If I’m not the No. 1 contender of which Shavkat got his hand raised and has now cemented himself, I’m definitely No. fu*king 2…I know in my heart and my soul, and I see the fans are giving me a lot of love and a lot of respect. I’m absolutely, in my mind, the No. 2 contender in the world.
Ian Garry to Zain Bando in an MMAKnockout Exclusive Interview
The Irishman is currently ranked 7th in the UFC welterweight rankings, the same place he was before the fight. The same thing happened to interesting UFC 155-pound fighter Renato Moicano. Moicano battered his way to a second-round doctor stoppage TKO over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC Paris (UFC Fight Night 243). However, it did not see a move north a single point.
Garry doesn’t mind though. “The Future” knows a fight with him made the boogeyman smaller just a little bit. So if after UFC 310, Rakhmonov is the No. 1 seed for gold, he is definitely No. 2. A high-profile matchup awaits the Irish fighter in the division. Consequently, the second-best welterweight right now is ready for anyone, anywhere if the UFC comes calling.
Ian Garry willing to step up again if UFC comes knocking
‘Nomad’ kept his win streak alive that set the Kazakh up as the No. 1 contender for Belal Muhammad. The champion Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) was originally in line to face Rakhmonov at UFC 310. That is – before a foot infection forced him out of the bout. This allowed Garry to step in. He put on a performance that tested Rakhmonov’s game more than ever.
Ian Garry ready for title contention backup role as second-best world welterweight (Source: X)Not only that but ‘Future’ also accepted to fight Joaquin Buckley at the UFC on ESPN 63 Tampa main event. The Irish welterweight said he is ready to step up again if the UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad or Rakhmonov can’t make it to their title fight.
So, could I see the UFC booking me as a replacement? Yes. …Do I think it’s realistic? Potentially. However, we’ll see when the cards come. If they want that, if they need that. I will say one thing: I will be ready if they want me. Like I always am. Ready, prepared for anyone and anywhere
Ian Garry further said
During his UFC 303 backstage interview with Caroline Pearce for TNT Sports (@ufcontnt), Garry wanted in for UFC 304. Back then, he was a new entrant in the exclusive 8-0 UFC startup club and fresh for the title backup spot. Now, it’s a bit different after UFC 310. However, Ian Garry floats he’ll be ready and the brass need only ask.
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