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Ian Machado Garry Sends Strong Message to the UFC: 'I Won’t Accept'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:39 AM ET

Staying relevant in the UFC's welterweight division takes more than just talent—it demands presence, momentum, and timing. Ian Machado Garry proved just that with a high-stakes win at UFC Kansas City, reminding fans and critics alike that he’s still very much in the title picture. After suffering a defeat in his previous outing to the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, this latest performance helped silence doubters and reignite his climb toward the top.

Machado Garry rebounded in decisive fashion, defeating Fighting Nerds teammate Carlos Prates in a closely contested five-round bout. The win marked a crucial turnaround after his setback against Rakhmonov. In a recent interview with Full Send MMA’s Shawty Mac, Machado Garry made headlines—not for who he beat, but for what he demanded next.

When asked, ‘So realistically then, Belal wins. Will you accept any other fight than a title shot?’ Machado Garry responded, ‘No. I don’t think I need to. I believe I’m the biggest name in the division. You know what I mean? Shavkat's injured. He’s not going to be fighting this year. You know what I mean? I don’t see anyone who’s bigger or anyone who’s more interesting to put on a pay-per-view main event and sell out a stadium. There is no one bigger.’

As Machado Garry pointed out, Shavkat Rakhmonov is currently sidelined after tearing his MCL at UFC 310, removing one of the top contenders from the immediate title conversation. With that opportunity open, Machado Garry isn’t wasting time. Just weeks removed from his most recent fight, he’s already in Canada, prepared to weigh in as the backup for the UFC 304 main event between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. For Ian Machado Garry, the mission is clear: title shot or nothing.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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