Rising UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry has set his sights on the division’s pinnacle, targeting champion Leon Edwards as the ultimate test of his and his teammate Shavkat Rakhmonov’s mettle. Ahead of his bout against Michael Page at UFC 303, Garry shared his thoughts on Edwards’ dominance and his pathway to a title shot.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Garry acknowledged Edwards’ formidable skill set and recent successes, emphasizing the champion’s evolution and ability to dominate. Despite this, Garry firmly believes that only fighters of his and Rakhmonov’s caliber possess the tools to truly challenge Edwards and potentially seize the welterweight throne.
“It’s hard to bet against Leon,” Garry remarked, highlighting Edwards’ prowess and all-around capability. Reflecting on their training experiences, Garry expressed confidence in both his own abilities and those of Rakhmonov, whom he sees as the next viable contender after himself.
Garry, who boasts an impressive undefeated record of 14-0 in MMA and 7-0 in the UFC, views his upcoming bout with Michael Page as a critical step towards his championship aspirations. Despite his confidence, he remains pragmatic about the journey ahead, suggesting that he may need one more fight before aiming directly for the title.
“I want one more. I’m not rushing,” Garry asserted, underscoring his strategic approach to climbing the ranks. His long-term plan includes a deliberate progression towards the belt, aiming not just to win but to establish a lasting reign atop the welterweight division.
At UFC 303 on June 29 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Garry will step into the octagon with the intent to showcase his skills against Page, viewing this bout as a pivotal opportunity to advance towards his ultimate goal of UFC gold. Confident and focused, Garry sees a victory over Page as a crucial stepping stone in his career, highlighting his determination to ascend to the pinnacle of the welterweight division.
Facing one of his toughest challenges to date, Garry remains unwavering in his belief that he and fighters like Rakhmonov represent the future of the welterweight division. Their emergence promises to redefine the division’s landscape with their talent, determination, and hunger for success. Garry’s preparation for this bout underscores his commitment to excellence, honing his skills and strategy to overcome the formidable Page and make a statement to the UFC and its fans.
As the countdown to UFC 303 intensifies, Garry’s confidence and strategic approach signal his readiness to seize the moment and showcase his potential on a grand stage. With UFC gold as his ultimate objective, Garry’s journey at UFC 303 represents not just a pivotal moment in his career but also a pivotal chapter in the ongoing evolution of the welterweight division.
