In a high-stakes title eliminator at UFC 310, Ian Garry faced off against Shavkat Rakhmonov, a match that concluded with Garry experiencing defeat. The fight, however, presented Garry with an opportunity to demonstrate his prowess, for which he earned acclaim from both spectators and mixed martial arts (MMA) celebrities. In the wake of this event, when queried about the next steps in his career or a prospective bout with Leon Edwards, Garry revealed his strategy to postpone it, emphasizing the importance of proper readiness.
The Irish combatant, Garry, who put up a commendable fight in the short span at UFC 310, categorically stated his disinclination to take on Leon Edwards in a match scheduled for UFC London in March. Anticipation is building among followers of Garry, eager for updates about his return to the octagon. Sharing insights on his future plans, Garry revealed in an interview that spectators could possibly expect his comeback during the summer months of June or July.
Marked by his honesty and candidness, Garry stated, ‘My lack of interest extends to fighting in London… If UFC wants me in a match in Europe, the most suitable option would be to bring me back to my roots in Dublin, Ireland.’ Garry’s comments clearly underline his thoughtful and measured approach to making his comeback. He made it clear that he considered it essential to iron out a few aspects with his team prior to making his return.
UFC 310 climaxed with an exciting line-up of matches. Despite Garry’s loss to Rakhmonov, both fighters sealed their status as leading contenders in the welterweight division. Garry, who managed a near-win over Rakhmonov in the fifth round, later shared his reflections on the fight through a social media video.
Garry’s positivity stood out even in the face of defeat. He commented, ‘I was there for 25 minutes in the ring with the toughest guy in the division. And he [Shavkat] is not invincible, I almost defeated him. Interestingly, it was the striker who almost succeeded, against someone known for his dominant grappling skills. The outcome of this fight only reconfirms my standing as one of the world’s best.’
Post his success over Garry, Rakhmonov’s next challenge lies in squaring off against Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title. By contrast, Muhammad has posed a unique requirement for Rakhmonov to qualify for the title shot. In spite of these shifting dynamics, Garry’s commitment remains unwavering, his eyes are fixed on the road leading to the title.