“He’s The Reason I’m in MMA”- Ian Garry on Being Compared to Conor McGregor Ahead of His UFC Debut

One of the most promising fighters out of Ireland, Ian Garry, is getting ready to make his UFC debut this year. The 23-year-old will compete on arguably the most stacked card of the year at UFC 268: Kamaru Usman vs Colby Covington on the 2nd of November.

A former Cage Warriors welterweight champion, Ian Garry holds an impressive record of 7-0 with four knockouts and one submission victory. For a fighter who made his professional debut back in 2019, Ian Garry’s progress in the world of MMA has been nothing short of phenomenal.

But let’s not forget where ‘The Future’ hails from; Ireland. The home of the UFC’S most successful and massive star, Conor McGregor. Many see Ian Garry as a successor to McGregor as an MMA star for all of Ireland.

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, ‘The Future’ gave his take on being compared to Conor McGregor.

“Do I not want to be compared to one of the biggest sports stars of all time? Of course, I like the comparison! Obviously, being Irish, there are similarities. It’s like any college basketball player being compared to Michael Jordan. Of course, it’s a great comparison. Conor McGregor changed the game in MMA. He brought so many eyes to the sport. If I can do something similar, then that’s a win. He’s the reason I’m in MMA. His rise was why MMA got huge in Dublin and Ireland. If I can bring eyes to the UFC, and I can put people in gyms because they see me enjoy it and put on a show, it’s all you can ask for,”  

Come fight night, Garry will look to make a resounding statement in his UFC debut against Jordan Williams; a fighter who holds a record of 9-5 in the UFC.

ALSO READ: Why Did Nick Diaz Leave UFC?

Ian Garry vs Jordan Williams

‘The Future’ will take on 30-year-old Jordan Williams in his debut at Madison Square Garden at UFC 268. Williams, who made his way to the UFC through the Dana White Contender series season three, is on a two-fight losing streak.

On the other hand, Garry makes his debut in the promotion as an undefeated fighter, and owner of a welterweight championship in his previous promotion; Cage Warriors.

Ian Garry has proven himself to be a complete MMA fighter, with exceptional finishing instincts. In fact, it was his head kick knockout against Rostem Akman at Cage Warriors 121 that put him on the map as a rising star.

While Williams will hope to upset the Irishman’s debut or else risk getting cut from the UFC, Garry will look to end the fight decisively. Especially if he’s looking to make leave a lasting impression on the fans.

What do you think? Will Ian Garry live up to everyone’s expectations? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: Five Fascinating Facts You Need To Know About Tito Ortiz