Ian Machado Garry recently responded to Sean Brady‘s claim that he avoided a ducking a potential fight. Brady insisted he was ready to compete, by accused Machado Garry of refusing to accept a fight.
Both fighters have made strong cases for a welterweight title shot. However, Islam Makhachev jumped the line by vacating his lightweight championship and moving up to challenge Jack Della Maddalena. As a result, contenders like Machado Garry and Brady will need to remain active to keep their title hopes alive.
During a recent interview with GamesHub, Machado Garry dismissed Brady’s accusations. He made it clear that he is willing to fight Brady under one condition.
Machado Garry wants the UFC to publicly confirm and promote the fight as a title eliminator. He believes the promotion has made too many empty promises regarding welterweight title shots. A formal announcement would bring clarity to the title picture.
“I have proven time and time again that I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, and I’m as game as game gets,” Machado Garry said. “I want it publicly announced that if me and [Brady] are fighting, it’s the number one contender fight and it’s publicly announced as that.”
He continued:
“I have never ducked anyone in my life and I never will.”
What Did Sean Brady Say About Ian Machado Garry?
Machado Garry’s comments came after Sean Brady claimed the UFC tried to book their fight more than once. According to Brady, the Irishman refused both times.
Brady expressed frustration after the UFC announced the UFC Vancouver main event. He posted a video on his Instagram story criticizing Machado Garry.
Brady said the UFC originally planned for him and Machado Garry to headline the card. After ‘The Future’ declined, the promotion booked Reinier de Ridder vs. Anthony Hernandez instead.
“Recently, [the UFC] hit us up and said me and Ian [Machado Garry], main event in Vancouver. I said yes immediately…I’ve been wanting to fight since May and these are the only ones I’ve been offered. I said yes twice,” Brady said. “Now, I don’t know why, Ian’s [expletive] dragging his feet or whatever he was doing.”
Brady added:
“Thanks, Ian, just lost another main event because of you, my man.”
Machado Garry Vows to Dominate Welterweight Division
Machado Garry remains focused on his goal to become UFC welterweight champion. He also plans to compete at middleweight in the future.
Speaking with GamesHub, Machado Garry shared his long-term vision. Unlike Ilia Topuria, who moved up to lightweight after one featherweight title defense, the Irishman aims to have a lengthy title reign first.
He wants to dominate the welterweight division before moving up to middleweight. Machado Garry aims to be remembered like other legendary champions who ruled their respective divisions for a decade.
“Nobody has done what I’m saying in a long time. When we talk about domination of the division, [St-Pierre], Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, we’re talking about a decade of domination. I want that domination,” Machado Garry said. “Then, [UFC] have no choice. I’m not vacating that belt, I’m basically retiring that belt. There’s nobody else good enough for me to fight. I’ve done them all. That has to be a new challenge.”
Ian Machado Garry Breaks Silence on Sean Brady’s Ducking Accusations