Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry will clash in a high-stakes fight at UFC Qatar.
Recent welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is currently searching for an opponent to face in his first title defense.
Michael Morales knocked out Sean Brady to make his case for a shot at MMA’s biggest prize last weekend. Carlos Prates called for a title shot after beating Leon Edwards earlier within the evening at UFC 322.
The winner of Belal Muhammad vs Ian Machado Garry could jump to the front of the queue at 170lbs.
Who’ll win? Let’s see what the Bloody Elbow writers are interested by the UFC Qatar co-main event.
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Bloody Elbow staff predict UFC Qatar co-headliner
Jordan Ellis: “Ian Machado Garry has proven that he’s got the fight IQ to go together with his elite-level skills. I believe he’ll have the ability to formulate a game plan to remain out of grappling exchanges with the previous welterweight champion. I expect Belal Muhammad to be picked apart on the feet over five rounds and suffer his second successive decision defeat.”
IAN MACHADO GARRY BY DECISION
Donagh Corby: “I’m undeniably biased for my countryman Ian Machado Garry, but I also imagine him to be one of the best welterweight on the earth, and I imagine he’ll prove that against Belal Muhammad. The blueprint is on the market from the Jack Della Maddalena fight on how one can beat the previous champ, and I imagine Machado Garry can do anything Della Maddalena can, but higher and more efficiently. Unfortunately, it’s likely Ian needs a KO here to ensure himself a shot at Islam Makhachev, and I’m unsure if he does that.”
IAN MACHADO GARRY BY DECISION
UFC Qatar fight card
Harvey Leonard: “When Belal Muhammad focuses entirely on grappling his opponents, he’s a troublesome man to beat. Just ask Stephen Thompson, who found himself unable to forestall the previous champ’s control. It is going to take that form of performance to beat Ian Machado Garry, who’s as technical and gifted on the feet as they arrive at 170 kilos. Muhammad’s approach to fighting Jack Della Maddalena this 12 months and his comments about standing up with Garry worry me, though, so I’m predicting a choice victory for the Irishman.”
IAN MACHADO GARRY BY DECISION
Kyle Dimond: “Belal Muhammad has been very effective at shutting people down up to now, but time is a big factor for me on this one. At 37 years old, having just lost the belt, this fight could have arrived on the worst time for Muhammad and the right time for Ian Machado Garry.”
IAN MACHADO GARRY BY DECISION
Jamie Theodosi: “Belal Muhammad’s performance against Jack Della Maddalena showed that perhaps he doesn’t have the best of fight IQs. And he’s coming up against Ian Machado Garry, who does have a high fight IQ. Machado Garry will keep his distance and pick Belal off at range for a choice win.”
IAN MACHADO GARRY BY DECISION