UFC welterweight Ian Machado Garry has revealed that the ship has sailed for his potential fight against Colby Covington at UFC 303.
Ian Machado Garry has been campaigning for a number-one contender fight against Colby Covington for the past six months, but after several digs online, the fight is no longer expected to happen.
Former title challenger, Covington, picked up a foot injury in his last outing in December when he was beaten by Leon Edwards in what was his third attempt at winning an undisputed UFC title.
‘The Future’ last fought in February at UFC 298 in what was his toughest fight to date, picking up a split-decision win over Geoff Neal.
Ian Garry reveals new fight offer is on the table for UFC 303
With the 26-year-old now coming to terms with the fact that he won’t be fighting ‘Chaos’ next, he has vented his frustration with the ranking system, as no one above him is available to fight.
“I’m sick of this ranking stuff.” Garry told talkSPORT MMA. “I’m in a position where everyone above me is injured and then Leon (Edwards) and Belal (Muhammad) are facing off against each other.
“I have no interest in fighting anyone below me but I’m kind of in a position where I have no choice other than to wait, and the last thing I want to do is wait. Anyone that is willing to stand across the Octagon from me on June 29th can get their ass whooped.” he added.
The undefeated Irish prospect has made it clear that it’s ‘UFC 303 or nothing’ as he wants to make Irish MMA history. The blockbuster event is headlined by the comeback of Conor McGregor, as he takes on Michael Chandler.
Machado Garry is hellbent on sharing the card with ‘The Notorious’, and has revealed that Michael ‘Venom’ Page is the latest name to be offered to him, with him saying yes to that potential fight.
“I can only fight down in the rankings, and this is where I’ve got to show that I will fight anyone.
“I’ve said yes (to a fight with MVP). I’ve said yes to that name, him and his coaches are deciding because he seems a bit heavy to make weight in seven weeks’ time, but I’ve said yes.” Garry revealed.
The 26-year-old went on to claim that he also said ‘yes’ to fights with Sean Brady, Nursulton Ruziboev, and Joaquin Buckley, with none of them materializing.
Ian Garry believes he may have missed out on co-main event spot
Although there is still potential for Garry to fight at UFC 303, he believes that because his opponent won’t have the same name value as Colby Covington, he may have missed out on the opportunity to be the co-main event.
“The truth is, if it’s not Colby firstly then I don’t believe it’s going to be co-main. I don’t believe they’ll give the co-main if it’s not the Colby Covington fight. That was the fight I wanted, the fight that sells and drives that anticipation.” he admitted.
UFC CEO, Dana White, revealed this past weekend that the UFC 303 gate has already way surpassed $20m, breaking the current record of $17.7m.
“To fight and compete on the same night as (Conor McGregor), watch him go out and do his thing, hear his walkout, sit side by side with him at the press conference, and just be grateful to be in the presence of the greatest to ever do it in the UFC.
“It would be a feather in the cap for sure.” Garry explained.