Watch UFC 324: Edwards vs. Garry — Main Card Free.

What's at Stake

This high-stakes welterweight headliner represents a definitive crossroads for the 170-pound division. For Leon Edwards, a victory solidifies his status as one of the greatest technical strikers in the sport's history, while Ian Machado Garry looks to complete his meteoric rise by dethroning an established legend to claim his spot at the top of the mountain.

Head-to-Head

While this marks the first professional meeting between the two, the narrative is fueled by their shared history as former training partners. Edwards enters the bout with the momentum of a long unbeaten streak against elite competition, whereas Garry remains an undefeated force whose speed and confidence have seen him dismantle every hurdle placed before him in the Octagon.

Key Players to Watch

• Leon Edwards — The veteran's clinical counter-striking and improved wrestling defense make him a difficult puzzle for any challenger to solve.
• Ian Machado Garry — Known for his high-volume output and exceptional reach management, the Irishman seeks to use his youth and pace to overwhelm the champion.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov — As a top contender likely waiting in the wings, his presence ringside adds immense pressure to both competitors to deliver a statement performance.

Prediction

Expect a tactical chess match contested primarily on the feet where distance management will be the deciding factor. Leon Edwards is likely to utilize his superior clinch work and veteran composure to edge out a close unanimous decision victory. His ability to neutralize Garry's blitzes with precise left hands should allow him to retain his standing in the division.