"Rubs fighters the wrong way" - UFC insider makes eye opening remark on why Ian Machado Garry was "shunned" by many MMA gyms
Ian Machado Garry's conduct in MMA gyms may very well have alienated him from the rest of the roster, at least according to UFC fighter-turned-analyst Din Thomas. This was remarked upon on the latest edition of One On One | MMA, a podcast he shares with UFC commentator Laura Sanko.
However, neither Thomas nor Sanko characterize the reason for Garry's dismissal from several gyms as negative. Instead, they believe it stems from confidence and, more importantly, Garry having a concrete idea of his own identity. After all, the Irishman has thought of himself as a future star and future champion for years.
Din Thomas said:
"I think that his attitude... like he knew who he was before anybody else did and that rubs fighters the wrong way a lot. And I think that he got shunned out of that gym and many other gyms because in his mind he was already that dude. He saw the vision before anybody else did. That rubs fighters the wrong way, they got rid of him so he bounced around but I do think that he's a very good and talented fighter."
Check out Din Thomas and Laura Sanko's thoughts on Ian Machado Garry (13:24):
However, it isn't just gyms that have shunned Garry, other fighters that he doesn't train with have also taken aim at the welterweight. In fact, even some sections of the MMA fanbase have attacked him.
Two factors are responsible for the aforementioned reactions First, many accuse him of being a pale imitation of his more famous and accomplished compatriot Conor McGregor. Secondly, the age gap between him and his wife Layla Anna-Lee and the satirical 'How to be a WAG' book she wrote made the couple an easy target.
Garry has never been short on confidence and is determined to prove his doubters wrong by outclassing Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 this weekend.
Ian Machado Garry's most memorable training session was with his UFC 310 opponent
Much of the lead-up to Ian Machado Garry's UFC 310 showdown with Shavkat Rakhmonov has been dominated by rumors over how their past sparring sessions transpired. 'The Nomad' first hinted that he submitted Garry in training, which the Irishman did not deny.
Check out Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov sparring:
However, Garry was quick to remind Rakhmonov that sparring and fighting are two different things. Moreover, he stressed how much he has improved since then and is aiming to give the unbeaten Kazakh a rude awakening come fight night.