Watch UFC 317: Edwards vs. Garry — Main Card Free.

What's at Stake

The welterweight division takes center stage at UFC 317 as former champion Leon Edwards faces the undefeated, rising contender Ian Machado Garry in a high-stakes main event. For Edwards, this bout represents a crucial opportunity to re-establish his position at the absolute top of the 170-pound rankings and secure another shot at the gold. Meanwhile, Garry has the chance to secure a career-defining victory that would propel him directly into the world title conversation and solidify his status as the future of the division.

Head-to-Head

While this marks the first official professional meeting between Leon Edwards and Ian Machado Garry inside the Octagon, the matchup carries plenty of intrigue due to their shared history training at Renegade MMA in Birmingham. Edwards enters the contest looking to rebound and prove his elite championship pedigree remains intact against the younger generation. Garry brings a flawless professional record and immense momentum into the cage, having successfully navigated every step up in competition during his rapid ascent through the welterweight ranks.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The former champion relies on world-class technical kickboxing, sharp counter-striking, and highly underrated defensive wrestling to control the pace of his fights.
• Ian Machado Garry — The undefeated Irishman utilizes his superior reach, fluid movement, and high-volume striking combinations to dismantle opponents from the outside.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov — As a looming shadow over the entire welterweight division, the dominant contender will be watching this headliner closely as a potential future opponent.

Prediction

This matchup promises to be a highly tactical chess match contested primarily on the feet, where distance management will dictate the winner. Leon Edwards possesses the championship experience and defensive mastery required to neutralize aggressive strikers, which should allow him to edge out the competitive rounds. Expect Edwards to secure a close, hard-fought victory by decision, utilizing his precise counter-striking and veteran savvy to hand Garry his first professional defeat.