Dana White confirms Ian Machado Garry as backup fighter for UFC 315 title fight
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Ian Machado Garry will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 315 championship clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena on May 10 in Canada.
Shortly after being announced as the winner of the UFC Kansas City main event bout with Carlos Prates, Garry said that he would fly to Montreal next month to make weight and be the plan B in case something happens to either welterweight.
“21 days’ notice against Shavkat [Rakhmonov]. 25 days’ notice against this man tonight. He’s a beast,” Garry said during his in-cage interview. “Well, in two weeks’ time, I’m flying to Canada. I’m the official backup for the world title fight, and I’m next in line for that world title!”
White was asked during the UFC Kansas City post-fight press conference if that information was accurate, and he confirmed “it’s official.”
“Credit to Ian, takes these fights on short notice,” White said. “He’ll fight anybody. He looked good tonight.”
Muhammad will attempt to defend his 170-pound belt for the first time after dethroning Leon Edwards back in July 2024, and Maddalena looks for history after winning his past 17 bouts, seven of those under the UFC banner.
Garry’s sole defeat in the UFC was the short-notice match with Rakhmonov this past December, when he put on good effort despite losing a decision. The Irish talent had won his previous eight in the company, and is now back to the winning column with a decision over Prates.