“Speedrun to Become More Hated” – Ian Garry in PETA’s Plant-Based Campaign Ahead of UFC 330 Infuriates MMA Fans
UFC welterweight title challenger Ian Garry gets called out after starring in new PETA campaign for Veganism.
Ian Garry stars in new PETA campaign (via X)
Ian Garry has been a polarizing figure since joining the UFC. While the Irish contender has shown consistency in the Octagon, he has frequently attracted attention outside competition. Garry now faces Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330, but focus has shifted again after his recent PETA campaign promoting veganism.
Garry recently appeared in a PETA campaign promoting veganism, highlighting his plant-based lifestyle and the benefits he associates with it. The Irish contender has previously discussed his dietary choices as part of his training and preparation, making the campaign an extension of his public advocacy.
Garry’s PETA campaign focused on promoting veganism and showcased the UFC contender’s commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. The Irishman has previously credited his diet as an important part of his preparation, believing it has helped his recovery, energy levels, and overall performance.
Every fighter wants to be the best. For me, it starts with what I put in my body. Before I was plant-based, I was strong. But now, I’m on another level. Because strength isn’t just power, it’s clarity, endurance, discipline. I recover faster, smoother. This is what peak performance feels like. My body works better, my mind is locked in. I’m not just fighting opponents, I’m fighting limits. To be the best version of me, and the best athlete out there. The future is powered by plants.
Ian Garry in the PETA campaign
Ian Garry stars in PETA’s new “The Future Is Plant-Based” campaign
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 4, 2026
“Before I was plant-based, I was strong. But now I’m on another level. My body works better, my mind is locked in.
This is the future. And the future is powered by plants.” pic.twitter.com/8fXr1iMslr
Veganism has remained a sensitive topic within the UFC community, with several fighters and figures expressing different opinions about the lifestyle. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has previously criticized some aspects of vegan diets, while also discussing alternatives such as Indian vegetarian cuisine.
The Irish welterweight previously followed a meat-based diet before switching to a structured plant-based routine in 2021 under nutritionist Richard Cullen’s guidance. Garry explained that meat consumption contributed to repeated infections and affected his immune system during training camps and weight cuts.
Garry’s relationship with Richard Cullin has also attracted controversy throughout his UFC career. Cullin, the ex-husband of Garry’s wife Layla Anna-Lee, has faced scrutiny due to their connection. However, the UFC star has defended Cullin by highlighting his role in raising his stepson and their relationship.
The PETA campaign and his relationship with Cullin are not the only controversies surrounding him before UFC 330. The Irishman also faced scrutiny after an individual claiming to be his brother criticized his comments about his childhood and family support, adding more attention to Garry’s personal life ahead of his title fight.
Islam Makhachev has also recently targeted Ian Garry’s personal life choices ahead of their UFC 330 clash, jokingly suggesting the Irishman should improve his public image. The recent PETA campaign has added another layer to the attention surrounding ‘The Future’, further amplifying the criticism directed toward him before his title fight.
Fans react to Ian Garry’s new veganism campaign with PETA
Ian Garry became a polarizing UFC figure after his rise through the welterweight division brought attention both inside and outside the Octagon. His confidence and outspoken personality drew criticism, while incidents involving his relationship with his wife Layla Anna-Lee, including scrutiny over their age gap.
Garry also faced criticism after taking credit for Shavkat Rakhmonov’s knee injury that kept the Kazakh contender sidelined. The Irishman shared footage from their UFC 310 fight and suggested his attacks contributed to Rakhmonov’s setback, leading to backlash over the comments.

Garry’s latest PETA campaign promoting veganism has become another major talking point surrounding the Irish contender. His appearance in the campaign drew criticism from many fans online, who used the opportunity to revisit previous controversies involving his personality and public image.
The reaction to Garry’s vegan advocacy added further attention before his UFC 330 title fight against Islam Makhachev. While Garry has consistently defended his lifestyle choices and credited his diet for his preparation, the campaign became another example of the scrutiny he faces outside competition.
Is he on a speedrun to become more hated then hitler…
— LUHcalmsh (@hcalmsh6475) August 5, 2026
Yeah he's definitely getting mauled next Saturday
— peter (@monzie_ink) August 5, 2026
It’s actually bad misinformation to be advocating for this type of diet he’s a talented fighter but by no means is a plant based diet helping him
— LouisTeflon (@louisteflon) August 5, 2026
You kind of have to respect him for how unlikable he seems to the mma community
— Colaguy (@Cola1Guy) August 5, 2026
Can this guy do one thing and not be so insufferably soy 😭 this guy could actually beat Islam prevent him from becoming the goat
— ponternal (@ponternal) August 4, 2026
why are you making me want islam to win?
— mick (@mick_g_w) August 4, 2026
Wait a minute! Is this dude saying he’s vegetarian?
— Eliot Shields (@eliot_shields) August 5, 2026
I’m retracting my bet
Never heard of a person over 100 years old who was plant based….
— Untone (@untone_t) August 4, 2026
The criticism surrounding Garry’s PETA campaign has also included accusations from some fans that the Irish welterweight has promoted misleading information about nutrition and veganism. The backlash has added another layer to the scrutiny surrounding Ian Garry as he heads into the biggest fight of his career at UFC 330.
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