Ian Garry Addresses the “Fake” Controversies and Hate He Faces Online

Ian Garry has faced a boatload of controversies in his career and it has only intensified ahead of UFC 330.

Ian Garry Addresses the “Fake” Controversies and Hate He Faces Online

Ian Garry addresses controversies (via MMA Sucka)

Ian Garry has made an impressive rise at welterweight and will take on Islam Makhachev at UFC 330. The Irishman faces his biggest challenge yet against the reigning champion in Philadelphia. However, scrutiny has followed Garry since the beginning of his UFC career.

Garry has remained in the headlines, often for reasons unrelated to his performances inside the octagon. Controversy began after he married Layla Anna-Lee in 2022. Fans quickly examined her past relationship and questioned Garry’s friendship with her ex-husband, nutritionist Richard Cullen.

The Irishman has also drawn criticism for his confident persona and bold predictions ahead of fights. One example came against Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar, where Garry vowed to finish his opponent. Instead, he secured a unanimous decision victory after three actionless rounds.

Garry is set for his first title shot against Makhachev at Xfinity Arena in Philadelphia on August 15. He has predicted neutralizing Makhachev’s superior Dagestani wrestling and vowed to make his name by defeating the champion. Garry recently addressed why fans often target him and his personal life.

It’s all fake. It’s all fake, it’s all on social media. It’s all fake. Any bit of hate that you speak about, it’s not reality. When I walk down the road in Philadelphia, in Dublin, Ireland, in Brazil, in England, anywhere I go I’m met with nothing but joy, and love, and appreciation.

Ian Garry via ESPN MMA

The controversy initially grew after Layla’s book detailed her experiences as a wife and partner of professional athletes. Fans and fighters also often questioned Richard Cullen’s role in Garry’s camps, given his work as the 28-year-old welterweight’s nutritionist and Layla’s former husband.

The scrutiny intensified after a man claiming to be Garry’s brother criticized the fighter and his wife over their comments about his parents. The account disputed Garry’s claims about his upbringing and family support. It also alleged that the fighter missed his grandfather’s funeral, adding another controversy before UFC 330.

Garry also drew attention after joining PETA’s plant-based campaign and promoting a diet centered on plant-based foods. The campaign reportedly left a bad taste with many fans and added to the scrutiny surrounding the Irishman. It further highlighted his willingness to use his platform for causes outside MMA.

Makhachev recently addressed the scrutiny around his opponent ahead of UFC 330 and urged him to focus on training. The champion criticized Garry’s focus on interviews and social media during preparation. Makhachev suggested Garry prioritize training over building his profile outside the Octagon.

Ian Garry remains a major focus heading into UFC 330, but he has now stepped away from social media. The challenger has stopped scrolling and viewing comments while using his accounts only to promote professional content. With Makhachev next, ‘The Future’ is attempting to remove online distractions before his first title fight.

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Ian Garry primarily trains at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. His training setup includes head coach Henri Hooft, while Richard Cullen handles his nutrition. Garry’s team has helped prepare him for his rise through the UFC welterweight division.

The Irishman has also explored other gyms to sharpen different areas of his game. Garry has trained at Chute Boxe in Sao Paulo under Diego Lima, alongside former champion Charles Oliveira. The experience has helped him further develop his grappling ahead of his UFC 330 title fight.

Ian Garry
Ian Garry (via Sportsnet)

During his time in Brazil, Garry also trained with Demian Maia to sharpen his Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Maia is a former UFC title challenger and decorated grappler with multiple world championship titles. Ahead of UFC 330, the UFC veteran praised Makhachev’s accomplishments while highlighting Garry’s threat.

Makhachev will take advantage of any mistake that you do with your elbow, with your leg, with your hips in the wrong direction – he will get you. So everything that I do is to make sure he doesn’t make these mistakes. But Ian is a very smart fighter. He understands that the most obvious advantage is his striking and control of distance. That’s why he has the tools to be the champion.

Demian Maia via UFC Countdown

To sharpen his wrestling, Ian Garry recently traveled to Georgia to specialize in the region’s Greco-Roman wrestling. The move added specialized preparation for Makhachev’s elite grappling before UFC 330. His varied training reflects efforts to close the wrestling gap before his biggest challenge.

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