Powerful claims, bold predictions, and a rivalry heating up fast — this matchup just got a lot more personal. Ian Machado Garry has fired back at Belal Muhammad, accusing him of “lying to the world” about how their upcoming fight in Qatar will play out. But here’s where things get controversial… Garry believes Muhammad isn’t just wrong — he’s repeating the same mistake that cost him his title.
Ian Machado Garry (16-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Belal Muhammad (24-4 MMA, 15-4 UFC) are set to clash in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 265 at ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar. Both men have a reputation for being well-rounded athletes, yet each has a specialty that defines them: Muhammad’s relentless wrestling and Garry’s razor-sharp striking.
So when Muhammad confidently claimed he could not only stand with Garry but outstrike him, the Irish contender couldn’t hide his disbelief.
Garry told MMA Junkie, “If that’s really the approach he’s choosing, then he learned nothing from his last fight. Honestly, I think he’s lying to everyone — maybe even to himself. I can beat him anywhere, but my plan is simple: I’m knocking him out in the first round.”
And this is the part most people forget… Muhammad was heavily criticized in his previous fight for abandoning his wrestling despite entering as the favorite. Instead of leaning on his grappling advantage against Jack Della Maddalena, he chose to strike for most of the bout — and it cost him his UFC welterweight title via unanimous decision.
Garry suggests Muhammad is either underestimating him again or attempting some form of psychological misdirection. But if Muhammad truly plans to go strike-for-strike with him? Garry says the fight won’t last long.
“Belal’s success comes from mixing things up — that’s when he’s at his best,” Garry explained. “But if he wants to start this fight on the feet, there’s absolutely no chance he lasts more than five minutes. None. That video he posted? To me, that looks like a man trying to convince himself he can do something he knows he can’t. It feels like reverse psychology — like he’s already preparing excuses. He knows he wants to grab onto me. And he knows I’ll stop him. That’s the pattern I’m seeing.”
So what do you think?
- Is Muhammad really bluffing about striking with Garry?
- Or is Garry underestimating someone who’s been counted out before?
Drop your take — who’s telling the truth, and who’s selling the hype? 👇🔥
