Ian Garry is all set for his upcoming fight at UFC 296. In what has surely been a rollercoaster of emotions over the past month, the Irishman has certainly had his hands full. With that said, he has recently come out with a rather surprising announcement.
Following the recent drama about the gyms he used to train at, Garry has seemingly returned to Brazil. Training at Chute Boxe – Diego Lima, he has been very close to Brazilian culture and its people. Ahead of his fight against Vicente Luque, Ian has been treated as one of their own by the team. Thus, it is likely what has swayed his mind in wanting to represent Brazil.
Ian Garry plans to represent Brazil & wear yellow fight shorts in the future🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/a2uWVDIJHP
— CrashMMA (@mmacrash) December 11, 2023
Speaking in a recent video, ‘The Future‘ said, “Brazil fans, I’m going to get my hands on a Brazilian passport and I’m going to wear yellow shorts in the UFC soon. I promise you, that’s coming.” For those unaware, Garry has been training at Chute Boxe – Diego Lima for a while now and has become engrained with the people there. Additionally, his wife, Layla, was born as Layla Machado to a Brazilian mother.
Having already adopted his wife’s maiden name, it appears as though Ian Garry is also adopting to her motherland. For the most part, Ian has been barred from certain gyms and had bad experiences in others. Thus, it makes sense for Garry to double down in Brazil and new friends.
Why is Ian Garry choosing to represent Brazil?
While he is Irish-born and bred, Ian Garry’s decision to represent Brazil might be a confusing one for many. In response to the clip, which has now gone viral, Garry is facing a lot of backlash and negative comments online. With the recent controversies surrounding him, the MMA community continues to be displeased with his actions.
As such, fans have once again taken to mocking the 26-year-old for his statements. Notably, many have brought up his past comments about being a ‘Proud Irishman’ and supposed Brazilians rejecting him. However, despite the wave of negativity surrounding him online, Ian feels loved by the people of Brazil.
There will always be Haters…#Undefeated pic.twitter.com/CpfAQuT686
— “The Future” Ian Machado Garry (@iangarryMMA) December 12, 2023
Speaking in the video, Garry reveals exactly why he will be looking to represent the country alongside his own. “The love I get from Brazil is so, so important. I only want to go out there and represent the best of Brazil.” As such, the Irishman now feels as though Brazil is his second home, and he wishes to repay that gratitude. Aiming to be a world champion soon, Ian wants the Brazilian people to see him as a champ of their own.
Currently, Ian Garry is set to face an actual Brazilian in Vicente Luque. Should he win, the undefeated welterweight prospect wants to move up to middleweight and give Sean Strickland a visit? With the Middleweight champ getting heavily involved and making comments about his wife, Garry feels the need to settle scores with certain individuals. Although he is favored to beat Luque, Ian still has a long way to go to win back the fans.