Garry Beats Muhammad, Rakhmonov Questions Title Bid

Ian Machado Garry solidified his case for a UFC welterweight title shot with a unanimous decision victory over former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar on Saturday, but the win quickly sparked debate when undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov publicly questioned Garry's credentials as the top challenger to new champion Islam Makhachev.

The bout in Doha served as the co-main event, with Garry outpointing Muhammad over five rounds in a tactical striking display. In his post-fight octagon interview, the 28-year-old Irish fighter immediately called out Makhachev, emphasizing his recent momentum and positioning himself as the division's next in line. Garry, now ranked No. 2 in the welterweight division, improved to 15-1 overall, with the win marking his second straight decision victory following a narrow loss to Rakhmonov late last year.

Rakhmonov, who holds an unblemished 19-0 record and sits at No. 3 in the rankings, responded on social media shortly after the event. "No trash talk, just facts," he wrote on X. "Ian Garry lost to me while I was injured. He hasn't finished anyone in his last six fights, and Prates nearly stopped him. Doesn't sound like a No. 1 contender to me."...