Ian Machado Garry thinks he should be ranked a lot higher after losing to Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Machado Garry (15-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) rallied late in a unanimous decision loss to Rakhmonov earlier this month at UFC 310. It was a close affair, but given his five-round matchup with Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was dubbed as a title eliminator by UFC CEO Dana White, Machado Garry expected to be bumped up the rankings even with the defeat.
The Irishman is currently No. 7 in the UFC’s welterweight standings, the same place he was prior to the fight.
“The way I look at this is that the fight against Shavkat was to be the No. 1 contender in the world, and go out and fight for the belt next,” Machado Garry told MMA Knockout. “If I’m not the No. 1 contender of which Shavkat got his hand raised and has now cemented himself, I’m definitely No. f*cking 2. That’s the way I look at it because there’s no way after that performance, you can’t sit there and say that I’m one of the best in the division. So whatever the rankings want to officially say, it’s OK.”
Machado Garry said he’s willing to step up again if UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad or Rakhmonov can’t make it to their title fight when it’s scheduled.
“I know in my heart and my soul, and I see the fans are giving me a lot of love and a lot of respect for that fight,” Machado Garry said. “I’m absolutely, in my mind, the No. 2 contender in the world. So, could I see the UFC booking me as a replacement? Yes.
“Do I think it’s realistic? Potentially. However, we’ll see when the cards come. If they want that, if they need that. I will say one thing: I will be ready if they want me. Like I always am. Ready, prepared for anyone and anywhere.”
