Ian Garry vs. Belal Muhammad: Backup Fighter Controversy

In the welterweight division, champion Belal Muhammad is set to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena. However, Ian Garry has been named the official backup fighter for this bout. Muhammad has expressed skepticism about Garry’s readiness, stating, “I had no knowledge of it, and even when he said it in the cage, there’s no way this guy is about to strap up as the backup” . Despite this, Garry remains confident and prepared to step in if needed.

 Ilia Topuria’s Lightweight Transformation

Ilia Topuria, the former UFC featherweight champion, is making his debut in the lightweight division at UFC 317. After vacating his 145-pound title, Topuria has been focusing on building strength and muscle mass to compete at 155 pounds. He has been training intensively in Alicante since late April, with plans to face a yet-to-be-announced opponent on June 28 in Las Vegas

Topuria’s decision to move up in weight comes after struggles with extreme weight cuts in the featherweight division. In a recent interview, he revealed that he once used wine to help with dehydration during weight cuts, a practice he has since abandoned due to health concerns

 What to Expect at UFC 315

UFC 315 is shaping up to be a pivotal event, with high-stakes title fights and significant career developments for fighters like Garry and Topuria. Fans can look forward to intense action and potential game-changing moments in the welterweight and lightweight divisions.