UFC Fight Night 265 on November 22, 2025 features an important welterweight matchup between former UFC champion Belal Muhammad and rising Irish contender Ian Machado Garry. The winner will be positioned for a title eliminator or could move directly into a title shot. This bout highlights Muhammad’s relentless pace and veteran savvy against Garry’s sharp striking and growing confidence.
Belal Muhammad
Belal Muhammad (24–4, 1 NC) remains one of the most dependable and intelligent fighters in the welterweight division. Known for elite conditioning, high-volume striking, and a suffocating pace, Muhammad also holds one of the best takedown defense rates in the division at 90 percent. He captured the UFC title in 2024 by defeating Leon Edwards, then lost a close decision in his first title defense against Jack Della Maddalena in May 2025. Muhammad’s pressure-heavy approach has earned victories over Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, and Sean Brady. His ability to neutralize dangerous opponents and force them into grueling fights is the core of his success.
Belal Muhammad – Last 5 Fights:
* Loss vs. Jack Della Maddalena, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 315, May 10, 2025
* Win vs. Leon Edwards, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 304, July 27, 2024 (Won UFC Welterweight Championship)
* Win vs. Gilbert Burns, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 288, May 6, 2023
* Win vs. Sean Brady, TKO (Punches), UFC 280, Oct 22, 2022
* Win vs. Vicente Luque, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 34, Apr 16, 2022
Keys: Muhammad needs to apply steady pressure, use well-timed entries to push Garry backward, and overwhelm him with volume and cage clinches. His ability to adapt, combined with a championship-level gas tank, becomes more valuable the longer the fight goes.
Ian Machado Garry
Ian Machado Garry (16–1) is widely viewed as Ireland’s next major MMA star. He is a polished and technical striker with judo roots and a confident style built on precision and range control. After suffering his first professional loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov in a five-round title eliminator, Garry rebounded with a strong unanimous decision win over Carlos Prates. His earlier victories over Michael Page, Geoff Neal, Neil Magny, Daniel Rodriguez, and Song Kenan showcased his ability to outstrike and outmaneuver high-level opponents. With crisp boxing, notable reach, and a diverse kicking game, Garry is a threat whenever he manages to keep fights at long distance.
Ian Machado Garry – Last 5 Fights:
* Win vs. Carlos Prates, Decision (Unanimous), UFC on ESPN 66, Apr 26, 2025
* Loss vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 310, Dec 7, 2024
* Win vs. Michael Page, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 303, Jun 29, 2024
* Win vs. Geoff Neal, Decision (Split), UFC 298, Feb 17, 2024
* Win vs. Neil Magny, Decision (Unanimous), UFC 292, Aug 19, 2023
Keys: Garry must maintain distance, use his jab to disrupt Muhammad’s entries, and rely on fast footwork to avoid being trapped along the fence. His speed, accuracy, and variety may force Muhammad into more defensive exchanges than usual.
Fight Breakdown
Control of range determines this matchup. Muhammad will attempt to force Garry backward, clinch against the cage, and mix in takedowns to drain the Irishman’s energy. Garry will look to stay mobile, work behind the jab, and use his height and length to land clean shots before circling away from pressure. If the fight remains at kicking and boxing range, Garry’s striking could shine. If Muhammad consistently closes distance and forces scrambles, the momentum shifts toward him.
Prediction
Expect competitive early rounds as Garry finds success with jabs and kicks, but Muhammad’s experience and pressure should eventually take over. His clinch work, volume striking, and well-timed takedowns are likely to tilt the later rounds in his favor.
Prediction: Belal Muhammad defeats Ian Machado Garry by Unanimous Decision
A win places Muhammad firmly back into the title race, while a Garry victory would elevate him as the next major figure in Irish MMA at the elite level.