Ian Machado Garry, the talented welterweight fighter, finds himself at UFC 315 in Montreal this weekend as the backup for the main event clash between Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena. While Garry (16-1) is unlikely to step into the cage unless unforeseen circumstances arise, he has made a splash with his lively presence during fight week. The Irish star has engaged with both headliners and captured media attention, notably by gifting Maddalena a bag of peanut M&Ms. This gesture, while playful, also served as his cheeky way of indicating his readiness to step in should Maddalena miss weight.
During a vibrant media day session, Garry articulated why he differentiates himself from other welterweight hopefuls. “I’m actually fighting, I’m being active, I’m fighting the best guys in the world,” he asserted. He highlighted his impressive track record of taking on tough opponents, specifically noting his recent victory over Carlos Prates that earned him the backup role for UFC 315. He mentioned, “My last two fights ended a 28-fight finish streak,” emphasizing his competitive drive and desire to face the toughest challenges in the sport.
Garry's confidence radiates as he spoke about the potential matchup with Muhammad. He complimented the champion, labeling him as “a good human with his mind switched on.” With a keen understanding of promotional dynamics, Garry believes that fighting him would be a wise move for Muhammad. He remarked, “I’ll do all the heavy lifting when it comes to selling the card; all he has to do is show up so I can win the belt.” This statement underlines Garry's commitment to making the fight exciting and engaging for fans.
The playful banter continued when Garry recounted an idea he had for a humorous prank involving a pizza truck. “We wanted to hire a pizza truck and put it outside the hotel, offering free pizzas for anyone named Jack Della Maddalena,” he recalled with laughter. While the plan fell through due to licensing challenges, it showcased Garry's creativity and commitment to entertaining fans. “Just create good content, wind people up, be interesting,” he said—characteristics he believes set him apart in the crowded UFC landscape.
In a sport filled with top-tier athletes, Garry stresses the importance of personality and charisma. “The UFC has no lack of good fighters,” he explained. “But when you talk about stardom and genuine interest outside of the UFC bubble, that’s what people are finding hard to break through.” For Garry, the energy, aura, and fun he brings to the fight game are crucial elements that help him stand out among his peers.
As he navigates the fight week and showcases his vibrant personality, Garry remains committed to enjoying the journey through MMA. He openly embraces his youthful spirit, joking, “I think it’s only going to get worse, to be honest.” This unwavering enthusiasm, combined with his impressive skills inside the octagon, positions Ian Machado Garry as a fighter to watch in the welterweight division, regardless of whether he steps into the cage this Saturday at UFC 315.
For a deeper dive into Garry’s thoughts and experiences, fans can check out his full media day appearance, which promises to be both entertaining and insightful.
