Pros Question Ian Machado Garry’s Title Shot Worthiness After UFC Qatar Victory
Ian Machado Garry faced off against Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in a highly anticipated co-main event. After three intense rounds, Garry secured a unanimous decision victory. Despite the win, his title shot worthiness in the welterweight division remains uncertain.
Fight Overview
The bout showcased Garry’s skills against the former welterweight champion, Muhammad. Although Garry won comfortably, the fight lacked a decisive finish. Observers noted that this performance might not elevate him to the top contender spot in the 170-pound division.
Responses from the Pros
Following the fight, mixed reactions emerged from various fighters and analysts. Henry Cejudo indicated that while he scored the fight for Garry, he questioned the performance’s merit for a title shot. Kamaru Usman, a leading contender, expressed his disinterest with just a yawning emoji.
- Henry Cejudo: Advocated for Garry but doubted him deserving a title shot.
- Kamaru Usman: Responded to the fight’s outcome with minimal enthusiasm.
- Michael Morales: Also hunting for a future title opportunity, expressed similar sentiments.
Future Title Implications
Garry needed to deliver a standout performance to solidify his status as the next contender in the welterweight division. Comparisons to Michael Morales and Carlos Prates, who achieved impressive wins at UFC 322, highlight the competition Garry faces. Additionally, the rise of Islam Makhachev as a two-division champion adds another layer of complexity to the title picture.
Looking Ahead
As the welterweight division continues to evolve, the path to a title shot is unclear for Garry. Observers will closely watch his next moves following UFC Qatar. Whether he can rebound from this performance remains to be seen.