Ian Garry Slams Usman: “He Would Never Accept”

Ian Garry, one of the UFC’s brightest rising stars, has publicly accused former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman of dodging fights against him and Shavkat Rakhmonov. With UFC 310 around the corner, the undefeated Garry is set to face Rakhmonov in a co-main event that has fans buzzing. Garry’s bold claims have added extra drama to an already stacked card, highlighting the division’s ongoing generational shift.

Usman “Never in the Conversation”

Belal Muhammad was originally scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Shavkat Rakhmonov, but a foot injury forced him to withdraw from the fight. Speculation quickly arose about who might replace Muhammad, with Kamaru Usman’s name coming up frequently.

Ian Garry, however, insists that Usman was never seriously considered as a replacement and accused the former champion of deliberately avoiding dangerous matchups. Speaking with Ariel Helwani on “The MMA Hour,” Garry didn’t hold back.

“Usman was never in the conversation; he’s running. He was mentioned, but that man never intended to accept a fight against me or Shavkat. Let’s be honest about that.”

Garry’s comments have stirred debate in the MMA world. While some view Usman’s actions as strategic, others see them as indicative of a veteran reluctant to risk his legacy against rising contenders.

Garry’s Golden Opportunity

Stepping into a fight against an opponent as formidable as Rakhmonov on short notice might seem daunting, but Garry sees it as a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The 25-year-old Irishman revealed that he had already offered to act as a backup for the original Muhammad-Rakhmonov bout. Although the UFC initially declined his offer, Garry remained prepared.

“I’m not chasing them; they know I want it. They know I’m ready. That’s all that mattered to me,” Garry explained.

“Somehow, God gave me what I wanted. Except it’s against the one I thought would win the match (Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov). In my mind, this is a world title fight.”

Ranked seventh in the welterweight division, Garry knows that defeating an undefeated fighter like Rakhmonov could propel him into immediate title contention.

Clash of the Undefeated

Both Garry and Rakhmonov enter UFC 310 with spotless records. Garry’s impressive 15-0 record showcases his striking prowess and relentless pace, while Rakhmonov’s 18-0 record is a testament to his well-rounded skill set and ability to finish fights. Notably, all 18 of Rakhmonov’s victories have come via stoppage.

Despite the challenge ahead, Garry remains confident. His respect for Rakhmonov is clear, but he firmly believes he has what it takes to emerge victorious.

“I perform best under pressure. When given minimal time to prepare for an opponent, I go out there and do what comes naturally,” Garry stated.

“Shavkat is phenomenal. I respect him and everything he brings to this fight. But I know I’m more than capable of taking him down.”

Analysts believe the fight’s outcome could determine the next welterweight title challenger. For Garry, this isn’t just about preserving his undefeated record—it’s about proving he belongs at the top of the division.

UFC 310 Fight Card

The UFC 310 event features a stacked lineup of fights, showcasing both seasoned veterans and rising stars. All times are listed in Eastern Time (ET).

Main Card (Starts at 10:00 PM ET):

Flyweight: Alexandre Pantoja (c) vs. Kai Asakura
Welterweight: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry
Heavyweight: Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
Featherweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Kron Gracie
Featherweight: Nate Landwehr vs. Choi Doo-ho

Preliminary Card (Starts at 7:00 PM ET):

Light Heavyweight: Dominick Reyes vs. Anthony Smith
Welterweight: Vicente Luque vs. Themba Gorimbo
Featherweight: Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling
Welterweight: Randy Brown vs. Bryan Battle

Early Prelims (Starts at 5:00 PM ET):

Catchweight (195 lb): Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
Flyweight: Cody Durden vs. Joshua Van
Welterweight: Michael Chiesa vs. Max Griffin
Lightweight: Clay Guida vs. Chase Hooper
Heavyweight: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. ?ukasz Brzeski

A New Era in the Welterweight Division

The Garry vs. Rakhmonov fight highlights the growing momentum of the UFC’s new generation of talent. While veterans like Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington once dominated the division, fighters like Garry and Rakhmonov represent a changing of the guard.

Garry has drawn comparisons to fellow Irishman Conor McGregor for his confidence and charisma, but his dynamic striking and composure inside the cage set him apart as a unique force.

Rakhmonov, on the other hand, is a quiet yet dominant presence. His ability to seamlessly blend striking, grappling, and fight IQ has made him one of the most feared fighters in the division.

This fight isn’t just about the fighters’ undefeated records; it’s about determining the future of the welterweight division.

Usman’s Silence Raises Questions

While Garry and Rakhmonov prepare for war, Kamaru Usman’s next move remains unclear. Following back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards, Usman finds himself at a crossroads in his career.

Some speculate that Usman is eyeing a rematch against Edwards or a potential move to middleweight. Others argue that avoiding fights with rising stars like Garry and Rakhmonov could tarnish his legacy.

Regardless of Usman’s trajectory, UFC 310 represents a pivotal moment for the welterweight division. With Garry’s brash confidence and Rakhmonov’s quiet dominance, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash.

Source: MMAnytt.se

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