Well, the dust has settled at the ABHA Arena in Doha, and UFC Qatar delivered a night that has seriously shaken up the welterweight division. The big story, of course, is Ireland’s own Ian Machado Garry, who just took a massive step towards a title shot. He put on a clinical performance against the incredibly tough former champion, Belal Muhammad, walking away with a unanimous points victory and his 17th career win.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Ian Machado Garry secured a huge unanimous decision victory over former champion Belal Muhammad.
- ✓ Garry immediately called out welterweight champion Islam Makhachev for a title shot.
- ✓ Garry impressively defended all seven of Muhammad's takedown attempts throughout the fight.
- ✓ In the main event, Arman Tsarukyan submitted Dan Hooker to protect his number one lightweight ranking.
- ✓ Britain's Luke Riley made a stunning UFC debut with a second-round knockout victory.
Garry's Masterclass Against a Former Champ
Going into this co-main event, everyone knew this was a pivotal moment. Belal Muhammad was competing for the first time since losing his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena back in May. That loss snapped an incredible 11-fight unbeaten streak, and you just knew he'd be hungry to get back in the win column. Garry, on the other hand, was coming off a solid win over Carlos Prates and was looking to bounce back strong after his decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov.
From the get-go, the dynamic of the fight was clear. Muhammad, 37, decided to strike with the 28-year-old Irishman in the first round, but it was tough sledding. Garry's longer range made it difficult for Muhammad to find his rhythm or land anything significant. When Belal tried to switch things up and lean on his formidable grappling, he hit a brick wall. It was honestly impressive to watch.
Here's the thing that really stood out: Muhammad attempted seven takedowns, and Garry shrugged off every single one. That’s a huge statement against a grappler of Belal's caliber. On the feet, Garry was simply sharper, landing 72 significant strikes to Muhammad's 56. He controlled the fight, dictated the pace, and walked away with a clear-cut victory on the scorecards.
"I Am Taking That Throne From You"
If you thought the action stopped when the final bell rang, you were mistaken. Garry got on the mic and made his intentions perfectly clear. He didn't just win; he came to make a statement and call his shot. He immediately turned his attention to the new king of the division, Islam Makhachev, who was recently crowned after his destruction of Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
Garry didn't mince words. He laid out his case, stating, "There is nobody else above him other than the world champion." He sees himself as the undeniable number one contender and believes the champion has a duty to face him. His message to Makhachev was direct and powerful: "You have a duty to defend that belt against the best welterweight in the world and you are looking at him. I am taking that throne from you."
You have to respect the confidence. Makhachev, now a two-weight champion, has been on an absolute tear, with his sole career loss coming way back in 2015. But Garry seems completely unfazed. He ended his callout with a simple, chilling message: "...sign the contract and I will see you soon." The gauntlet has officially been thrown down.
But Is It His Shot to Take?
Here's where it gets a little complicated. While beating the former champ is a massive feather in Garry's cap, he didn't get the finish. In the world of the UFC, style points and spectacular finishes often matter just as much as the 'W' itself. And right now, the welterweight division is absolutely buzzing with contenders who have been delivering exactly that.
Just last week, we saw some huge knockout wins from guys like Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. They took out top contenders Leon Edwards and Sean Brady, respectively, in devastating fashion. Those are the kinds of performances that can catapult a fighter right to the front of the line. So, while Garry's win was technically brilliant, the lack of a finish might mean he gets pushed just behind those guys in the pecking order for a title shot. It’s a classic UFC dilemma.
Elsewhere on a Packed Qatar Card
While Garry's callout was the talk of the town, the main event saw Arman Tsarukyan remind everyone why he's the top-ranked lightweight. The Armenian fighter is on a mission for a second crack at the title, especially after having to withdraw from his first chance in January due to an injury during fight week. He made short work of the veteran Dan Hooker.
Tsarukyan, who is only 29, was all business. He took the New Zealander to the ground and expertly worked his way into a tight arm-triangle submission, forcing the tap in the second round. Now, the lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has a murderer's row of contenders to choose from, including Tsarukyan and another rising British star, Paddy Pimblett.
A Dream Debut for Luke Riley
Speaking of British talent, you have to talk about Luke Riley's perfect start to his UFC career. The 26-year-old featherweight faced a tough test in his debut against Bogdan Grad. The first round was a bit of a struggle, as Riley had trouble with Grad's pace and grappling. But then, something clicked.
With his gym-mate Paddy Pimblett yelling instructions from his corner, Riley came out for the second round like a man possessed. He landed a massive left hand that sent Grad to the canvas. Even though the Austrian tried to fight it off, Riley rained down heavy strikes until the referee had no choice but to step in and stop the contest. Afterward, Riley, ever the perfectionist, said, "I'm my own worst critic," citing his bad first round, but he also put the division on notice: "Line them up - I'm taking them all out."
His victory was also a significant one for the UK scene, as it ended a losing streak for fighters transitioning from Cage Warriors to the UFC in 2025. With the win, Riley improved his flawless record to 12-0, with nine of those wins coming by stoppage. It wasn't all good news for the Brits, however, as Shem Rock suffered a points loss to Tajikistan's Nurullo Aliev in his debut.
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line from UFC Qatar? Ian Machado Garry proved he belongs in the absolute elite of the welterweight division with a strategic and dominant win over a former champion. His callout of Makhachev has set the stage for a fascinating few months ahead. But with other knockout artists making their case, his path to the belt is anything but guaranteed. Add in a dominant performance from top contender Arman Tsarukyan and a spectacular debut from Luke Riley, and it's safe to say the night in Doha delivered on all fronts.
