Ukrainian mixed martial artist Yaroslav Amosov has found his next opponent in the UFC. The former Bellator champion will fight in a five-round welterweight bout (up to 77.1 kg) against Ireland's Ian Machado Garry, one of the division's top contenders. This was reported by Sport RBC.UA with reference to the official announcement of the UFC on Paramount+ event.
A Fight That Could Shift the Division Landscape
The bout is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a fight card broadcast by Paramount+. For Amosov, who ranks 13th in the global rankings, this encounter could serve as the shortest path to a title shot: his opponent is ranked second, making this matchup crucial for the entire welterweight division.
Amosov: The Journey from Bellator to UFC
The 33-year-old Ukrainian (record 30-1) joined the UFC in late 2025 as a former Bellator champion, having captured the title in 2021 and lost it in the fall of 2023. Prior to moving to the world's premier MMA organization, Amosov defeated Curtis Millender at Cage Fury FC 140. He made an impressive start in the UFC, submitting American Neil Magny in the first round in December 2025 and stopping Spain's Joel Álvarez in the second round via a similar submission in May 2026.
Garry: Ranked Second After Title Defeat
The 27-year-old Ian Machado Garry (17-2) brings extensive experience in the UFC octagon, boasting 10 wins against two losses since December 2021. The Irishman last stepped into the cage in August 2026, when he lost a unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev in a championship bout. Before that defeat, Garry was on a solid winning streak, having defeated top contenders like Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad.
Riyadh Fight Card Lineup
The Saudi Arabia event features a star-studded lineup: the main event will be a middleweight clash between Israel Adesanya and Sharabutdin Magomedov. Additionally, viewers will witness bouts between Mario Pinto and Serghei Spivac, as well as Levan Chokheli and Islam Dulatov. Amosov vs. Garry will serve as one of the evening's co-headliners.
What Is at Stake
For both fighters, the December 5 clash is more than just another career milestone; it is an opportunity to stake their claim at the top of the division. An victory for Amosov over the number two contender would skyrocket him up the rankings and closer to title talks, while for Garry, it represents a chance to reclaim lost status and cement his position as a welterweight leader.
