Ian Garry Fires Back After UFC Title Snub: “I’ve Earned My Shot”

The UFC welterweight division just got a whole lot spicier. Ian Machado Garry isn’t biting his tongue after being passed over for a title shot, and honestly, I don’t blame him one bit.

When the news broke that champion Belal Muhammad would defend his newly-won belt against Jack Della Maddalena next May, the undefeated Irishman took to social media with the subtlety of a head kick to express his frustration.

The Snub That Has Everyone Talking

Let’s be real here – Garry has been on an absolute tear. At 14-0 (7-0 in the UFC), “The Future” has been living up to his nickname by dismantling every opponent placed in front of him. His recent dominant win over Michael “Venom” Page had many fans (myself included) convinced he’d be next in line for a title opportunity.

Instead, the UFC brass went with Della Maddalena, who, while impressive in his own right with a 17-2 record, has fewer wins against ranked opponents than Garry.

“I’ve done everything right,” Garry said in a heated Instagram video. “Undefeated record, finishing fights, building my name, staying active. What more do I need to do? This isn’t just about me – it’s about what makes sense for the division.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

While Della Maddalena has more finishes, Garry has faced and defeated more ranked competition – a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by MMA analysts and fans alike.

The Bigger Picture

You have to wonder if there’s more at play here. The UFC has historically shown a pattern of making fighters “wait their turn” regardless of merit. Just ask Leon Edwards how long he had to wait despite his impressive win streak.

There’s also the promotional angle to consider. Garry – with his outspoken nature and “new Conor McGregor” comparisons – might be someone the UFC wants to continue building before giving him a title shot. After all, a champion Garry would be a massive draw, especially for the European market.

What’s Next for “The Future”?

Sources close to the situation tell me Garry is already in talks for another fight, possibly against another top-5 contender. The smart money would be on a summer return, potentially on a major pay-per-view card.

“If they want me to beat one more person, fine,” Garry stated. “But after that, there’s no more denying me what I’ve earned.”

The welterweight division has become a powder keg of talent, with Shavkat Rakhmonov also making his case for a title opportunity. Whoever emerges from this logjam will have truly earned their shot at UFC gold.

Fan Reactions Mixed But Passionate

The MMA community seems divided on Garry’s complaints. While many support his claim to a title shot, others point to his relatively recent rise in the rankings compared to others who’ve been grinding longer.

One thing’s for certain – you can’t deny the man’s confidence. When I asked a UFC insider about Garry’s chances of eventually getting his title shot, they responded: “It’s not if, but when. The kid’s special, and everyone in the organization knows it.”

The Road Forward

For now, Garry will have to watch as Muhammad and Della Maddalena battle for the gold next spring. But make no mistake – “The Future” will be studying every second of that fight, preparing for what seems increasingly inevitable.

The welterweight title picture may be unclear at the moment, but one thing is crystal clear: Ian Machado Garry isn’t going anywhere, and his time is coming sooner rather than later.

What do you think? Did Garry deserve the title shot over Della Maddalena? Let us know in the comments below!

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