The world of UFC never fails to surprise with its twists and turns. Fights between elite fighters are a norm. Recently, rising star Ian Garry dropped a bombshell about his upcoming fight. Garry now revealed that he had “zero interest” in this matchup with Michael Page.
Ian Garry was recently interviewed by the New York Post Sports. He admitted that he only agreed to the fight to share a card with Irish star, Conor McGregor. Garry revealed that he wanted to be part of what he thought would be a historic event. Alas, the event did not go as Garry had planned.
I had zero interest then, I have zero interest now [in fighting Page]. I did it to fight on the same card as Conor [McGregor]. To be a part of history. To have the two biggest stars in MMA, in Irish MMA, fight and represent our country on the biggest stage together.
Ian garry via New York Post Sports
The young fighter has never shared a card with McGregor. He was eager to witness the “fight week drama” that follows the Irish superstar. But the MMA gods had other plans. McGregor’s anticipated return against Michael Chandler was postponed due to a toe injury. Now, Garry found himself in a peculiar situation. He’s facing an opponent he claims to have no interest in fighting.
Garry is coming off a split-decision victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 298. The headliner for the card was Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria. On the other hand, Michael Page is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland at UFC 299. He dominated his UFC debut fight, setting him up to fight the higher-ranked Garry.
Ian Garry ‘heartbroken’ after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal
In MMA, an instant can make or break dreams. Just ask Ian Garry, the rising Irish star who’s feeling the sting of disappointment. Garry was all set to live out a fantasy at UFC 303. He was going to share a card with his idol, Conor McGregor. It was a chance to represent Ireland alongside its biggest MMA star.
Ian Garry was disappointed to not fight alongside Conor McGregor (via MMA Fighting/ The Independent)For the 26-year-old, this was more than just another fight night. But as fate would have it, McGregor pulled out due to injury. Suddenly, Garry’s dream scenario crumbled. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Garry opened up about his feelings. He described himself as “heartbroken” over the missed opportunity.
Good, obviously good and heart broken. There are two sides to it, there is the super fan, the kid that has been completely invested in Conor in everything that he did. And there is my fighting career and everything that I am. The emotional part of me is like f**k.
Ian Garry via The MMA Hour
The young fighter spoke of his lifelong admiration for McGregor. The Irishman is determined to raise his country’s flag high at UFC 303. He’s stepping up in McGregor’s absence. He had recently thrown shade at Michael Page regarding his fighting skills. The duo will meet at UFC 303 in a much-anticipated matchup and Garry would do his all to raise the Irish flag with pride.
