Confidence is key, not just in MMA, but in general day-to-day life. Sometimes, a fighter’s self-assurance can raise eyebrows. Enter Ian Machado Garry, the undefeated Irish welterweight making waves in the UFC. He recently made a statement after his UFC 303 fight, comparing himself to Alex Pereira.
Ian Garry didn’t just celebrate after his victory at UFC 303 against Michael ‘Venom’ Page. He made a bold statement addressing his fighting style that remained unsolvable in 15 professional MMA fights. As such, the young Irishman boasted about having great IQ and calf kicks similar to that of Alex Pereira.
The two greatest single people in the world that have calf kicks, are me and Alex Pereira… I have the smartest fight IQ in the game.
Ian Garry at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference
That’s quite the statement from a 26-year-old with just eight UFC fights under his belt. To be fair, Garry’s record is impressive. He’s undefeated, but his latest win over Michael Page was not that impressive, to say the say least. His previous fight against Geoff Neal was also competitive, which he ultimately won by split decision.
“The two greatest single people in the world that have calf kicks, are me and Alex Pereira.”
Ian Machado Garry says he has the “smartest fight IQ in the game” after #UFC303. pic.twitter.com/Pkm5IdQKEM
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) June 30, 2024
On the other hand, Pereira’s fight IQ was on display at this weekend’s UFC 303 main event. Pereira watched a video of Jiri Prochazka warming up and formulated the plan to execute a head kick, which ultimately paid off. Legacy-wise, there is no comparison between Garry and ‘Poatan.’ However, Garry can prove his fight IQ while facing tougher opponents in the future.
Ian Garry eyes potential fight against the undefeated Kazakh fighter
Fresh off his victory over Michael Page at UFC 303, Ian Garry isn’t resting on his high horse. He’s already eyeing his next opponent. This is a big step up from the competition Garry has faced until now. The opponent in question is none other than the Kazakh phenom, Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Ian Garry eyes Shavkat Rakhmonov fight (via YouTube/ Sports Illustrated)Rakhmonov is currently ranked as the number three welterweight in the world. He’s undefeated, with a perfect 18-0 record. Plus, he’s finished every single one of his opponents, garnering a 100% finish rate. Garry believed that Rakhmonov would be his path to the title shot.
I’d love to get my hands on him [Shavkat Rakhmonov]. I’ve trained with him. I have nothing but respect for the guy, but I want to be the first guy to take his ‘0,’ and I know I can do it.
Ian Garry at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference
Ian Machado Garry “would love to get [his] hands on” Shavkat Rakhmonov 👀 #UFC303
“I’ve trained with him. I have nothing but respect for the guy, but I want to be the first guy to take his 0 and I know I can do it.” pic.twitter.com/QLrEfU5tCk
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 30, 2024
Most fighters would run for the hills at the mention of Rakhmonov’s name. However, Garry is vying for this opportunity. The young Irish fighter isn’t lacking in ambition, as he’s already talking about being in the GOAT conversation in ten years. Garry’s confidence might just be his secret weapon. Whether or not this fight materializes remains to be seen.
