“Bro’s So Delusional” – Ian Garry Claiming to Surpass Fellow Irishman Conor McGregor Leaves MMA Fans Angered

UFC welterweight title challenger Ian Garry wants to recreate and potentially surpass the impact created by Conor McGregor.

“Bro’s So Delusional” – Ian Garry Claiming to Surpass Fellow Irishman Conor McGregor Leaves MMA Fans Angered

Ian Garry talks about surpassing Conor McGregor (via UFC , MMA Fighting)

Ian Garry has become a mainstay in the UFC welterweight division through a sharp rise in rankings. He has built momentum with wins over top opponents, including a win over former champion Belal Muhammad in his last outing. That win earned him a title shot against champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. He now leads the welterweight rankings and has vowed to break Conor McGregor’s records.

Garry suffered his first career loss at UFC 310 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, marking a major setback in his rise. However, he responded quickly in 2025 with a strong return to form. He first defeated Carlos Prates in April 2025 to rebuild momentum in the welterweight division. The Irish welterweight then followed that performance with a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar.

Garry has idolized McGregor since childhood and has referenced that influence throughout his rise. He has shared photos from his early years alongside McGregor. The former champion’s impact on the UFC is widely seen as unmatched globally. He helped transform the promotion into a worldwide phenomenon and elevated Ireland in combat sports. Garry now aims to build a legacy similar to ‘The Notorious One’.

I wanna be the type of guy that brings the UFC back to Ireland, It’s been a long time. I’ve been carrying this flag for Irish MMA for a long, long time. With my next fight, I’m the most victorious Irishman in UFC history. I’ll have 11 wins. I have been saying it since day one. I am the next superstar of Irish MMA. I’m going to be carrying that second wave, and I want to bring them back to Croke Park. I want to bring them back to Dublin. I want to bring them back wherever they think they can go because these fans deserve it.

Ian Garry via Matchroom Talent Agency press conference

Just like McGregor, Garry has begun making moves beyond the UFC into the broader business world. He recently signed a deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom talent agency to expand his commercial reach. The agreement covers marketing and sponsorship, while Vayner Sports still handles fight negotiations.

The bond between McGregor and Garry initially developed after ‘The Future’ began training at SBG Ireland. This connection placed both fighters within the same training environment. McGregor has also praised Garry’s development as a rising contender. The two have shared training sessions at the gym.

Garry has shown confidence similar to McGregor throughout his UFC rise. He has remained vocal and self-assured in the welterweight division. The Irish welterweight recently revealed that he poses a tough challenge for Makhachev, who holds a 16-fight winning streak and is a two-division champion.

The UFC 330 clash against Islam Makhachev is the defining test of Ian Garry’s career. It places him on the biggest stage against a dominant champion and forces him to prove elite credentials. Garry aims to shock the world at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 15th with a win lifting him toward McGregor’s legacy.

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Fans react to Ian Garry’s comments about potentially surpassing Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor is one of the most popular UFC fighters in history, driving massive attention to MMA. He became the first UFC fighter to hold two championships simultaneously in the featherweight and lightweight divisions. His success significantly boosted the sport’s global growth and commercial appeal.

Even years after his last fight in 2021, McGregor still maintains elite-level crowd pull and mainstream interest. The tickets for his return at UFC 329 against Max Holloway sold out in minutes after being released. His return fights have historically generated rapid sellout demand due to his global popularity.

Ian Garry, Conor McGregor
Ian Garry sparring Conor McGregor in Dublin [via The Mirror]

Some observers have questioned Ian Garry’s comparisons to McGregor and his belief that he can reach a similar level of impact. They point to the significant gap in achievements and global influence that the former two divisional champions established during their UFC runs.

Others point to McGregor’s post-peak years showing how major success in MMA can bring long-term complications outside the cage. His career has also been affected by various controversies beyond fighting. This is often used as context when discussing the challenges of matching his level of fame.

Some observers have begun questioning whether Ian Garry’s recent comments indirectly take aim at Conor McGregor. The comparisons between the two have intensified debate around intent and ambition. This has added further attention to the young Irishman’s rise and public persona.

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