‘The Future’ Ian Machado Garry: The Rise of Ireland’s Next MMA Star

Our latest Athlete Corner blog features an elite athlete we respect from the world of MMA and UFC, The Future Ian Machado Garry – an extraordinary talent doing extraordinary things inside and outside The Octagon.    His plant-based diet and refusal to work with alcohol and gambling brands set him apart from many in the sport.

He’s come a long way from Ireland to be challenging at the very top of his sport.  2026 will be a very big year for one of Ireland’s favourite sons!

Born Ian David Garry on 17 November 1997 in Portmarnock, Ireland, Garry has carved an inspiring path from a young boxing enthusiast to one of the most prominent mixed martial artists in the world competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Early Life: From Boxing Gloves to the Octagon

Garry’s combat sports journey began unusually early — at the age of just 10 years old when he took up boxing. Raised near Dublin, he grew up immersed in the thrill of competition, amassing hundreds of amateur bouts that helped shape his discipline, confidence, and innate striking ability.

As Garry matured, he was inspired by the meteoric rise of fellow Irish UFC superstar Conor McGregor, whose success helped ignite grassroots interest in MMA throughout Ireland. This inspiration compelled Garry to expand his skill set beyond boxing. He began training in judo, eventually earning a black belt by the age of 18 — a testament to his commitment to mastering multiple disciplines.

After a brief stint at the Dublin Institute of Technology, Garry made a pivotal life choice: he dropped out of college to fully dedicate himself to martial arts. That decision set him on the path to becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in MMA.

Early MMA Career: Building Momentum

Garry’s introduction to professional MMA came in February 2019 with a debut at Cage Warriors 101, a respected European promotion known for launching the careers of future champions. He defeated James Sheehan via unanimous decision and even earned Fight of the Night honors.

Over the next two years, Garry amassed an undefeated record and quickly established himself as one of Cage Warriors’ brightest stars. His breakthrough came in June 2021, when he captured the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship by defeating Jack Grant. This title not only validated his talent but also put him squarely on the UFC’s radar.

Shortly thereafter, Garry signed with the UFC — the world’s premier MMA organization — and made his octagon debut later that year.

UFC Career: The Future Defined

Nicknamed “The Future,” Garry wasted little time making an impact in the UFC. He debuted with a first-round submission win and began a steady climb up the welterweight rankings. His style — a mix of slick boxing, explosive takedowns, and strategic grappling — quickly drew attention from fans and analysts alike.

Some of his most notable UFC performances include:

• Victory over Daniel Rodriguez — A dynamic first-round TKO that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.

• Unanimous decision wins over seasoned veterans like Neil Magny and Geoff Neal, showcasing his evolving technical prowess.

• A high-profile win against former champion Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar in November 2025, a result that significantly boosted his world ranking and spotlighted him as a leading contender in the 170-pound division.

Through late 2025, Garry’s professional MMA record sat at approximately 17 wins and just 1 loss, with victories coming by way of knockouts, submissions, and decisions — a record that underscores his well-rounded skill set.

Garry’s only defeat came in December 2024 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, a tough, top-tier opponent — and even that loss demonstrated his ability to hang with the elite.

Purpose Beyond the Cage

What separates Garry from many fighters is not just his record, but the purpose that drives him.

For many Irish fans, Garry represents a continuation of a national legacy in combat sports — one that McGregor largely popularized. He carries not just personal ambition but the collective pride of a generation of Irish fight fans eager for their next world champion.

Garry has spoken openly about his ambition to become world champion and even break into the pound-for-pound conversation — a feat that would elevate him into the realm of MMA’s all-time greats. His confidence is not mere bravado; it’s backed by strategic improvements, rigorous training, and a willingness to challenge himself against top competition.

He also often carries his personal life into his public persona with authenticity. Garry married TV presenter Layla Anna-Lee in 2022 and later adopted the name Machado Garry to reflect family unity with his stepson Niall — a choice that highlights his values outside the sport.  He also regularly posts engaging content with his son with Layla, Leo, across his social media channels which his thriving online audience loves.

Additionally, Garry follows a vegan diet, a relatively rare lifestyle choice in combat sports, which he credits for maintaining peak physical condition and longevity in his career.

Legacy and What’s Next

At just 28 years old — still young by MMA standards — Garry’s trajectory continues upward. With string wins at welterweight and rising rankings, he stands on the brink of a potential title shot against champions such as Islam Makhachev, a challenge he openly welcomes.

Even more than titles and accolades, Garry’s legacy may be defined by the inspiration he provides to young athletes, especially in Ireland, where combat sports are woven deeply into the cultural fabric. He’s living proof that with dedication, versatility, and resilience, a boy with gloves in a small Irish town can rise to compete with the best fighters on the planet.

In a sport where every fight could be a turning point, Ian Machado Garry seems determined not just to succeed — but to define the future of MMA.

Let’s talk! If you’re a brand or the media interested in working with an MMA fighter in UFC like Ian Garry (in the UK & Europe) please email mark@athletemedia.co.uk or call him on +44 7952 304340.