UFC Rankings: Garry Reacts to New Welterweight Order

The Shakeup at the Top: UFC Welterweight Rankings After UFC 322

The UFC landscape shifted dramatically at UFC 322, and nowhere was the change more pronounced than in the welterweight division. With Islam Makhachev dethroning Jack Della Maddalena in the main event, the entire top tier of the rankings underwent a significant overhaul. As the dust settles, one fighter is vocal about his place in the new pecking order: Irish sensation Ian Machado Garry.

Following the event, the updated UFC rankings saw several climbers. Carlos Prates, coming off a stunning knockout victory over former champion Leon Edwards (who was ranked No. 4), surged into the upper echelon. Michael Morales also made a massive leap after his own knockout win against No. 2 ranked contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. Both fighters rightfully leapfrogged Machado Garry, who had been stagnant around the No. 7 spot despite a strong run.

Garry's Perspective: Rankings and McGregor Comparisons

Speaking to MMA Junkie, Machado Garry, known as "The Future," offered his candid take on the new rankings and his position relative to Prates and Morales. While acknowledging their impressive victories warranted their elevated status, he wasn't shy about his own feelings regarding the process.

"They're kind of irrelevant in my mind to a certain extent because the guys that won should be above me now," Garry stated. "I understand that. Prates being above me, silly, but I understand it. He did knock out whatever Leon was in the world... and Morales did knock out No. 2 in the world, so they should be there."

Garry expressed frustration with his perceived lack of upward movement despite winning four of his last five fights, including a short-notice victory.

"I think I've been like No. 7 for like the last four fights – it's ridiculous," he added. "They just don't want to move me up because they know the star power is there, and they're trying to kind of hone it. I think they're having a little Conor McGregor (situation): We can't let this guy disappear. We know what they can do."

Garry's McGregor comparison stems from the belief that the UFC is strategically holding him back to maximize his marketability and build anticipation for a future title shot, similar to how McGregor's rise was managed. This sentiment was echoed in a separate interview with Mike Bohn, where he reiterated the comparison.

The Path Forward: UFC Qatar and the No. 1 Spot

Despite his frustrations with the rankings, Garry's focus is squarely on his immediate future. At UFC Qatar, he faces former champion and perennial contender Belal Muhammad. For Garry, this fight isn't just another step; it's the defining moment that will catapult him to the top.

"Come this weekend, when I knock Belal out, I shall take that No. 1 spot. I'm fighting for the No. 1 contender fight. When I win this weekend, this entire welterweight division revolves around me," Garry declared with confidence.

Upon learning he had actually moved up to the No. 6 spot in the official rankings update, Garry showed visible relief and approval.

"Look at the UFC doing the right thing. Look at that.. It finally looks right. We got rid of Usman, rid of Leon, rid of Colby. They are all gone. They are all out of there and the new generation is here. That's how it should look right now at this point in time."

Garry's confidence is palpable. He sees the changing guard in the welterweight division – the exit of Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and now Leon Edwards – as the perfect opportunity for him to seize the spotlight. Victory over Muhammad, a fighter with a formidable skill set and wrestling pedigree, would certainly validate his claims and put him firmly in the conversation against reigning champion Islam Makhachev.

The McGregor Factor: Star Power vs. Rankings

Garry's persistent McGregor comparison adds an intriguing layer to the welterweight narrative. While McGregor's path involved a featherweight/bantamweight double championship and unprecedented hype, the principle of leveraging a fighter's charisma and marketability remains relevant. The UFC's business model often intertwines athletic performance with drawing power. Garry clearly believes his "star power" is undeniable and that the promotion recognizes it, hence his perceived slow climb.

Whether Garry truly sees himself as the next McGregor or simply using the analogy as a tool to highlight his marketability is debatable. However, the comparison underscores his belief that his value extends beyond just wins and losses in the eyes of the promotion.

As UFC Qatar approaches, all eyes will be on Ian Machado Garry. Can he back up his bold predictions and deliver the emphatic victory over Belal Muhammad that he promises? If he does, the welterweight rankings, and potentially the division itself, will truly revolve around "The Future." The McGregor comparisons might seem like hyperbole now, but a dominant performance in Doha could quickly make them feel prophetic.