UFC 303 was set to be a landmark moment in Ian Machado Garry's fighting career, one that held a special significance beyond just another step forward in his promising trajectory. The UFC welterweight contender was not only focused on showcasing his skills but also on fighting in the same event as his childhood idol, Conor McGregor. McGregor, a colossal figure in MMA and the biggest star the sport has ever seen, was the very inspiration that drove Garry (14-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) to pursue a career in mixed martial arts.
However, the dream of sharing a card with McGregor was shattered when, last week, McGregor had to pull out of his fight with Michael Chandler due to an injury. "The only reason I'm fighting anyone on June 29 was because I wanted to fight on the same fight card as Conor," Garry confided to MMA Junkie. "I wanted to represent Ireland side-by-side with Conor and do our country proud. The two biggest stars in MMA in Ireland, representing our country on the biggest stage possible, breaking records in the UFC – which Conor already did. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to get together as a team and represent our country."
Despite the setback, Garry remains on the card, now slated to face Michael Page (22-2 MMA, 1-0 UFC) in the opening bout of the pay-per-view segment of the event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 29. The disappointment of McGregor's withdrawal stings, but Garry remains hopeful that it could pave the way for a UFC event in Ireland. "For me, it was going to be a full circle moment," Garry reflected. "Being a kid in Dublin, going into school every Monday morning talking about Conor's press conferences and fights and talking to all of my friends, and that build-up, that excitement, and that buzz that he created. For me to be that kid in school talking about him, to be talking on that same stage with him at the press conference and then stepping into the same octagon as him that night and representing our country on the biggest stage possible, it would've been a dream come true."
Garry’s enthusiasm remains undiminished, fueled by the thought that this turn of events might lead to an even bigger opportunity. "But God has other plans, and he works in mysterious ways. I’m excited to see Conor back and maybe, just maybe, this means we get our Ireland event. Maybe this means we can bring it back to Ireland, and we can main and co-main together."
Now, with McGregor out and Garry standing as the sole Irishman on the card, he feels an even greater responsibility to represent his homeland. "I still have a job to do," Garry explained. "I still have to go out there and prove that I’m the best fighter in the welterweight division. I have to add that No. 15 to this beautiful tally and take MVP's scalp and do it in beautiful fashion. Now I’m the one carrying the flag for Ireland. I'm still doing it. I'm going to prove that the fighting Irish are still in force, that we're going to do it together, and when we go to war, we go to war."
It's clear that Garry’s commitment to his craft and his country is unwavering. His optimism about what lies ahead, coupled with his determination to honor the legacy of his idol and mentor, speaks volumes about his character and his drive. UFC 303 might not be the event he initially envisioned, but it remains a pivotal chapter in his career and a testament to his resilience and spirit.
For fans eager to follow Garry's journey and see how UFC 303 unfolds, more details can be found on MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303. The excitement surrounding this event continues to build, not just for what happens in the octagon but for the larger implications it holds for the future of Irish MMA and the possible return of a major UFC event to Ireland.
In the end, while Garry won't be sharing the stage with McGregor this time, his path remains illuminated by the same fiery passion and unyielding dedication that brought him to this point. He’s ready to make his mark, carry the torch, and show the world what it means to be part of the fighting Irish.
Login