Apr 26, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, UNITED STATES; Ian Machado Garry (red gloves) reacts after defeating Carlos Prates (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images William Purnell-Imagn Images

Ian Machado Garry offers bold prediction for fight with new champ after UFC 315

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Zain Bando | Last updated May 11, 2025 1:09 PM ET

Ian Garry Machado was locked into the UFC 315 main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena and has broken his silence about his place within the UFC Welterweight Championship picture.

UFC CEO Dana White all but confirmed the scenario regarding former UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria and his next fight. Had Muhammad come away victorious, Topuria would have moved up to challenge Makhachev.

Instead, Della Maddalena enters the picture.

William Purnell-Imagn Images

JDM Speaks To UFC Brass

Despite Garry recognizing the significance of a possible champ vs. champ fight, he said he will be ready in case the promotion has to make an adjustment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UFC (@ufc)

"Time to become a double champion," Makhachev tweeted. Let's go."

It appears the UFC still has yet to make a final decision regarding the headliner for UFC 317 next month, but if CBO Hunter Campbell's words to Della Maddalena ring true, an announcement is forthcoming sooner rather than later.

For now, Machado Garry appears excited about the ever-evolving possibilities that lie ahead, even going as far as to predict which welterweight fights should be booked moving forward. These included options specifically targeting possibilities such as Leon Edwards vs. Michael Page and Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates, to name a few.

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Whether Machado Garry sees his hypothetical matchups come true is to be determined, but from a forward-thinking perspective, he clearly has the right idea.

Now, it's up to the UFC to work its magic.

Follow MMAKnockout on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: