Ian Machado Garry enters UFC Combat Night time 265 in Doha, Qatar, on November 22 with a transparent mission: defeat No. 1–ranked Belal Muhammad and pressure his approach into title competition.
The Irishman, 27, brings a 16-1 skilled file, having risen from Cage Warriors champion to a top-10 UFC contender by means of a string of decisive victories, together with wins over Neil Magny, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates and Michael Web page. Muhammad, 37, is a former UFC welterweight champion who reclaimed high contender standing after falling to Jack Della Maddalena in Could 2025; he holds a 24–4 file with eleven straight determination wins in UFC competitors.
Ian Machado Garry: I’ll ‘Maul’ Belal Muhammad At UFC Doha, Qatar
In an alternate with Mega Suggestions Record, Garry laid out his plan in stark phrases:
“A win over Belal Muhammad signifies that my subsequent struggle is for a world title. To make sure that I get my title shot I would like to complete him and make it completely evident that I’ve simply mauled the Number one Welterweight on the earth. I’ll go away little doubt and no questions come November twenty second in Qatar, that Ian Machado Garry is one of the best Welterweight on the earth.
“You’re gonna see velocity such as you’ve by no means seen within the octagon earlier than. Belal Muhammad, a revered former Champion, shall be made to seem like an newbie in entrance of your very eyes. You watched me decimate Neil Magny, shut down Shavkat, piece up Prates, now you’re about to witness the best model of The Future — Qatar you’re very fortunate certainly!”
The stakes are excessive for each males. Muhammad earned the belt by unanimous determination over Leon Edwards in July 2024, then misplaced it by way of unanimous determination to Della Maddalena at UFC 315 in Could 2025. His grappling pedigree features a 90 p.c takedown protection fee and a status for grinding tempo and quantity placing. Garry counters with a background in boxing and judo, combining exact placing and a rising submission sport; his lone defeat got here to Rakhmonov in a title eliminator at UFC 310.
Garry’s trajectory has been swift. He debuted within the UFC in November 2021 with a knockout of Jordan Williams, then adopted with 5 extra victories in simply over two years. His efficiency metrics: 7 knockouts, 1 submission and eight determination wins. This reveals an evolving finisher who adapts to every opponent’s weaknesses. Muhammad, against this, is understood for methodical stress.
A end over a fighter lauded for his sturdiness would mark an unprecedented turning level. For Muhammad, a win reaffirms his standing atop the division and units up a possible showdown with the rising champion, Jack Della Maddalena.
Doha’s Lusail Sports activities Enviornment will host Combat Night time 265, its first worldwide UFC occasion in Qatar. The winner not solely claims bragging rights however secures a title shot that might redefine the 170-pound panorama.
