Who Is Ian Garry’s Wife Layla Machado and Why Is She So Controversial? Children, Family and More on the UFC Star

There are only a handful of fighters who can be termed the ‘Future of UFC’, and Ian Garry is one of them. Hailed by fans as the ‘Next Conor McGregor’, Garry has been impressing all MMA enthusiasts with his exceptional performances. With a 15 and 1 record and wins over names like Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny, Garry has solidified his place as a name to watch out for in the welterweight division! 

Apart from his professional career, Garry seems to have garnered a lot of interest in his personal life. There’s a growing curiosity about the rising MMA star’s love life, and intriguingly, Ian Garry’s wife is someone fans can’t stop talking about. So, who exactly is Layla Machado? Let’s take a closer look.

Layla Anna-Lee’s background & professional life

Before she came on the MMA sphere’s radar due to her relationship with Ian Garry,  Layla Anna-Lee had already carved out her own place in the spotlight. Born on March 22, 1983, in London, Layla’s journey began early—her first TV appearance came at the age of six, in a Fairy cleaning product.

From kids’ cooking shows like The Munch Box to announcing the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, she proved her versatility. She was also the face of major brands like Bacardi and Max Factor, popping up in glossy campaigns that kept her in the public eye.

And it didn’t stop at cameras and red carpets. Layla even dipped her toes into acting, appearing in shows like Studs Up and Hacked Off.

What is the age gap between Ian Machado Garry and his wife?

According to reports available online, the pair met sometime around late 2020, back when Ian Garry was still working his way through Cage Warriors. Sparks flew, and by 2021, the duo were engaged, just before ‘The Future’ made his UFC debut.

They tied the knot in Las Vegas on February 26, 2022, in a quiet ceremony, keeping things low-key amid rising fame. But the age gap raised eyebrows. At the time, Garry was 24. Layla? 39.

Critics chimed in, questioning the dynamics of the couple. But the two never flinched. They kept walking forward, side by side. Their bond, tested by public opinion, stayed strong.

Does Layla Anna-Lee have kids?

It didn’t take long for the Garry-Machado duo to add another member to the squad. In October 2022, the couple welcomed their first child together—a baby boy named Leandro Vegas Machado Garry. Anna-Lee, poetic as ever, called their son a gift to Garry on his birthday. A new chapter, a new legacy.

But Leandro isn’t Layla’s only child. From her previous marriage, she has a son named Lucas, who shares his time between both parents. A modern family, shaped by respect and, surprisingly, a unique partnership.

The controversy behind Layla Anna-Lee’s book ‘How to be a WAG?

If there’s one reason Layla became the center of controversy, it’s her book—“How to Be a WAG.” The title alone turned heads. Some fans rolled their eyes. Others got angry. And UFC fighters? They had a field day. But not everyone took it that way. UFC middleweight Sean Strickland, known for never holding back, took aim. The backlash came fast and furious.

But Anna-Lee stood her ground. She responded by stating, “That satirical look is really silly, anyone that takes it as fact has completely missed the mark, low and behold sarcasm isn’t well taken especially with American audience. British humor and sarcasm is often lost, at the time it was a huge success and people got the joke. it went out, it was funny and it did great.”

Still, the online trolling didn’t stop. UFC welterweight Colby Covington even jumped in, throwing jabs not just at Garry, but at his wife, too. For months, the internet was ablaze with gossip, memes, and mockery. But eventually? Like all online storms, it passed.

Meet Richard Cullen, Layla Anna-Lee’s ex-husband & Ian Garry’s nutritionist

Before Ian, Layla Anna-Lee was married to Richard Cullen. But here’s the kicker—Cullenisn’t just her ex. He’s also Ian Garry’s personal nutritionist. According to the Irishman, “The main reason behind my wife’s ex-husband is that he’s an elite performance nutritionist, and he’s very f***ing good at what he does, to the point where every single UFC weight cut has been easier every time.”

But it’s deeper than just nutrition. Garry didn’t want to create a wedge between Cullen and his son. He further explained during his interview with Shakiel Mahjouri, “In that same regard, he’s a professional in one regard. He’s also the father of my wife’s son and I never want to be a wedge between a father and a son.”

In conclusion, Layla Anna-Lee is a woman who’s lived in front of the camera, challenged norms, and stood firm through criticism. Whether it’s her book, her career, or her unconventional family life, she’s always owned her story. 

Now, as Ian Garry gets ready to take on Carlos Prates in the main event of UFC on ESPN 66, she will be in his corner as always. While ‘The Future’ stumbled against Shavkat Rakhmonov in his last outing, this will be his opportunity to turn things around and re-establish himself as a title contender!