Dana White lives for those matchmaking Tuesdays in the war room at the Las Vegas HQ. But things get frustrating fast when he’s back in that same room, scrambling to save a fight card at the last minute. With UFC 315 just two weeks out, headlined by Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound strap on the line, the head honcho is now hunting for a short-notice replacement. Not with the main event, though, but with an exciting bout on the early-prelims card. 

After 10 years, the UFC is finally heading back to the Bell Centre in Montreal. The last time the promotion held UFC 186 was way back in April 2015. This card’s loaded with Canadian talent; Mike Mallot, Brad Katona, Marc-André Barriault, and Jasmine Jasudavicius are all ready to represent the Maple Leaf flag. Same can’t be said for Gavin Tucker!  

Tucker was also supposed to be on the lineup against JeongYeong Lee, but he had to pull out due to undisclosed reasons. Fight analyst Garret Kerman posted on X, “Gavin Tucker is OUT against JeongYeong Lee at #UFC315. The UFC is currently looking for a replacement just 2 weeks out, per sources.”

Although the exact reason for Tucker’s withdrawal from UFC 315 remains unknown, it’s worth noting that injuries have been a recurring issue throughout his career. Inactivity has plagued his UFC run, with thirteen scheduled bouts, six have been canceled, with five of those withdrawals coming from his side. 

His first pullout was against Andre Soukhamthath at UFC Fight Night 183. Then came a cancellation against Billy Quarantillo, originally set for UFC on ESPN 31, later rescheduled to UFC 256 due to COVID-19. Tucker also withdrew twice from scheduled bouts with Pat Sabatini—once at UFC Fight Night: Vieira vs. Tate, and again at UFC Fight Night 138: Volkan vs. Smith. Then Jared Jenkins at UFC 305, and now JeongYeong Lee at UFC 315. 

The main event hasn’t had the smoothest road either, it’s seen its fair share of changes, rescheduling, and replacement. Remember, Shavkat Rakhmonov was originally supposed to be next in line for gold but couldn’t make the card due to an injury. This is where Della Maddalena stepped in. But now, stepping up once again to save the day is none other than Ian Garry, fresh off his big win in the UFC Kansas City main event.

He’s been announced as the backup for UFC 315’s headliner, and honestly, it’s working out great for him. Garry just keeps stacking wins while staying active. He’s also spoken openly about how he ended up in this backup spot. 

Ian Garry reveals the reason why he became the backup for the UFC 315 main event

Ian Machado Garry stepped up big time at UFC Kansas City, taking a short-notice fight against Carlos Prates, and he didn’t disappoint. His slick lateral movement and sharp combinations were on full display. Prates had his moment in the fifth round, landing some heavy ground and pound, but couldn’t finish the fight. ‘The Future’ stuck to his game plan and walked away with a unanimous decision win. In his post-fight interview, Garry revealed he’d be serving as the backup for the UFC 315 main event, and later, Dana White confirmed it at the post-fight presser.

The Irishman revealed during an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show that it was all part of the plan. According to his contract for the Prates fight included a clause that with a short-notice victory, he’d be named the backup fighter for the UFC 315 main event. True to their word, the promotion followed through after his impressive win.

Garry on the Ariel Helwani show said, “I believe I’m next. That’s the way I believe it. I made sure when I took this fight that I was given another opportunity because that’s what happens when you save cards. You get opportunities. I negotiated it into my contract that when I win, I get the opportunity to go and be the backup. But also, when you take back-to-back fights on short notice and you save the UFC on two cards in a row, those rewards pay off.”

Although Garry has edged closer than ever to a title shot, it’s still unclear if he’ll be next in line. His momentum is undeniable, but the path to the belt is a little challenging. Joaquin Buckley is set to face former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta, and if Buckley pulls off the win, his case for title contention becomes even stronger.

That being said, the UFC 315 main event winner could seriously shake up the welterweight picture. If Garry stays ready and keeps winning, he’s got a strong case. But with names like Buckley and possibly even Usman in the mix, it’s anyone’s game. Who do you think gets the next shot? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!