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Ian Garry has arrived at UFC aged just 23. Whenever a new Irishman comes to UFC, the expectations go up immediately. This is because of the standards set by the world's highest paid athlete, Conor McGregor.
Ever since the Dublin native shocked the world and became a double champion by beating Jose Aldo (featherweight) and Eddie Alvarez (lightweight), the nation has been searching for the next 'Notorious' Conor McGregor.
Young Ian Garry does have a monkey on his back ahead of his promotional debut at UFC 268: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington 2 on November 6, 2021. Having his first bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City adds more pressure.
The 23-year-old, nicknamed 'The Future', is determined to make a mark right from the word go in the UFC. Many MMA pundits have also tipped him for stardom in the promotion.
As Garry gets ready for his first UFC fight against 30-year-old Jordan Williams, who holds a 9-5 MMA win-loss record, here are five facts about the welterweight sensation which show that he is capable of justifying all the hype.
#5. Ian Garry is an unbeaten finisher
Seven fights into his professional MMA career as a welterweight, Garry is still undefeated and holds a 7-0 record. He's finished five of those bouts as well.
Beginning his career with a unanimous decision victory over James Sheehan in February 2019, the 23-year-old star has since gone on to rack up five straight finishes.
It is not only about the results, but the way he has earned those victories. He has one win with a rear naked choke, two via TKO (punches and elbows) and a couple using his trademark head kick.
His run of finishes eventually came to an end in June 2021 with a dominant unanimous decision victory at Cage Warriors 125.
Ian Garry will definitely be eager not to depend on the judges' scorecard during his highly-anticipated UFC debut.
#4. Ian Garry has already tasted championship gold in Cage Warriors
Ian Garry won the Cage Warriors welterweight championship in June this year. He defeated 29-year-old veteran Jack Grant, who holds a 17-7 record and recently moved to Bellator, in the tournament final to claim the vacant belt.
This five-round unanimous decision triumph not only gave 'The Future' a title but also fast-tracked his path to the UFC.
With victories over the likes of Rostem Akman, Lawrence Tracey and Mateusz Figlak, Garry had already sent shockwaves around Europe. However, he needed gold to gain the full attention of Dana White.
He did exactly that after brushing aside Grant in some style and was immediately signed up by the UFC.
Now, he'll begin the journey to fast-track his way into the UFC top-15 welterweight contenders' rankings.
#3. Ian Garry has produced several highlight reels in his career so far
The reason for Ian Garry's initial hype was, without a doubt, his head-kicks. He knocked out Rostem Akman with one such move and made many heads turn in the MMA world during March 2021.
It was the Cage Warriors welterweight championship tournament semifinals and that was not the first time he had used his trademark head-kick.
He has also knocked out the likes of Matteo Ceglia and George McManus with the same move in the past.
We are in an era where mixed martial artists are being called out on social media for their passive fighting styles.
Amid all that, the six-foot, three-inch Garry, one of the tallest welterweights on the roster, has an exciting style, good reach and is extremely innovative. He could end up being one of the finds of the year for the UFC.
#2. Ian Garry trains under coach Henri Hooft at Sanford MMA in Florida
In addition to Ian Garry, Sanford MMA head coach Henri Hooft is currently training the likes of Derek Brunson, Gilbert Burns and Robbie Lawler.
He has also been associated with current and former titleholders Vitor Belfort, Kamaru Usman, Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez in the past. Ian Garry's recent move to Florida to train under Hooft ahead of UFC 268 could make the difference in his career in the longer run.
Just ten days away from his world title fight at Cage Warriors, Team KF Martial Arts and Garry had a major misunderstanding, resulting in the fighter cutting all ties with the gym. Team KF had said that 'The Future' was uncoachable and had behavioral issues back then.
Garry rubbished the claims and decided to focus on the bigger picture with his UFC debut looming. He has found a place at the illustrious Sanford MMA and is training hard to impress the matchmakers in the UFC.
Hooft is definitely capable of elevating Garry to a superstar level.
#1. Ian Garry dropped out of college to pursue his MMA dream
Ian Garry had thoughts of emulating Conor McGregor at a very young age. In an attempt to achieve his dreams, he dropped out of college and spent more time training. He began his amateur MMA career as a 20-year-old in 2017.
Back then, he had worked in his uncle's window cleaning business to make ends meet. He would wake up at 5am every morning, finish work, and begin training in the evening. This was his routine for quite a while.
Since joining the Cage Warriors, he has had a relatively easy route to glory. He has maintained till date that McGregor is one of the major reasons for his entry into mixed martial arts.
From boxing and judo at an early age to finally reaching the UFC, Ian Garry has come a long way.
