2024 was a massive year for the #7-ranked UFC welterweight, Ian Machado Garry.
The Irishman may be starting 2025 off the back of his first pro loss but he raised his stock in defeat at UFC 310.
Following back-to-back wins over Geoff Neal and Michael "Venom" Page, Garry received a huge opportunity.
With Belal Muhammad out of the main event of the final PPV card of the year, the Irishman stepped in to face Shavkat Rakhmonov in a battle of undefeated contenders.
"Nomad" got the decision win but against the boogeyman of the 170-pound division, Garry proved that he belongs at the very top.
In a recent interview with MMA Knockout, he spoke about why believes that this should be reflected in the rankings.
Garry didn't move up or down from the #7-spot following UFC 310 and he doesn't think that this is a fair reflection of his latest outing:
"The way I look at this is that fight against Shavkat was to be the No. 1 contender in the world, and go out and fight for the belt next. 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****** 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 okay."
Garry proved at UFC 310 that he is a guy that the promotion can rely on and that could create more big opportunities for him, especially due to some of the injury concerns regarding Rakhmonov following their fight.
He said that if the UFC need to call someone about stepping up to the plate, they have his number.
"I know in my heart and 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."
