Ian David Machado Garry Bio
Ian David Machado Garry is an Irish professional mixed martial artist competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on November 17, 1997, in Portmarnock, Ireland, Garry has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the top contenders in his weight class, known for his striking skills and tactical approach inside the octagon.
Early Life and Background
Ian Garry was born and raised in Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland. He began training in boxing at the age of 10, which laid the foundation for his combat sports career. Inspired by Conor McGregor’s influence on MMA in Ireland, Garry expanded his martial arts skills by taking up judo, eventually earning a black belt at 18 years old. He briefly attended Dublin Institute of Technology before deciding to focus entirely on martial arts.
Garry had his first amateur MMA bout shortly after turning 19 and transitioned to professional fighting at 21. His early exposure to multiple disciplines helped shape his versatile fighting style, combining striking and grappling effectively.
Path to MMA
Garry started his amateur MMA career in November 2017, compiling a 6–1 record with six finishes. His professional debut came in February 2019 at Cage Warriors 101, where he won by unanimous decision and earned Fight of the Night honors. Over the next two years, he secured several wins, including a notable victory over UFC veteran Rostem Akman.
His success culminated in winning the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship against Jack Grant, which propelled him to sign with the UFC in 2021. This marked his transition to competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts.
Ian Garry Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Garry’s amateur career began in late 2017, where he quickly established himself with a strong finishing rate. After turning professional in 2019, he debuted at Cage Warriors 101 with a unanimous decision victory and continued to build momentum with consecutive wins. His early career was marked by rapid development and gaining experience against increasingly skilled opponents.
During this period, Garry trained with Team KF Martial Arts, honing his striking and grappling skills. His performances earned him recognition and set the stage for his championship run in Cage Warriors.
Cage Warriors Breakthrough (2019–2021)
Garry’s breakthrough came with his victory over Jack Grant for the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship. This title win was a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and against top competition. His reign as champion brought him to the attention of the UFC, leading to his signing in mid-2021.
His Cage Warriors tenure was highlighted by dominant performances and a growing reputation as a promising welterweight prospect. The championship win solidified his status as a rising star in MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2021–Present)
Ian Garry made his UFC debut on November 6, 2021, at UFC 268, securing a first-round knockout against Jordan Williams. He continued his winning streak with unanimous decision victories over Darian Weeks and Gabriel Green in 2022. In 2023, Garry demonstrated resilience by overcoming a first-round knockdown to win via technical knockout against Song Kenan.
He earned the Performance of the Night award after a first-round TKO victory over Daniel Rodriguez in May 2023. Garry has maintained a strong presence in the welterweight division, with notable wins against Neil Magny and Michael Page. Despite a setback in December 2024, losing by unanimous decision to Shavkat Rakhmonov in a title eliminator, Garry rebounded with unanimous decision wins over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad in 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Garry is known for his striking precision, tactical fight IQ, and ability to adapt during bouts. His background in boxing and judo contributes to a well-rounded skill set, allowing him to control distance and capitalize on opponents’ weaknesses. His partnership with the Chute Boxe Diego Lima team has enhanced his strategic approach and conditioning.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key milestones in Garry’s career include winning the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship, earning Fight of the Night honors in his professional debut, and securing the Performance of the Night award in the UFC. His rise to #2 in the UFC welterweight rankings as of November 2025 marks him as a leading contender in the division.
Ian Garry Career Wins
Ian Garry holds an impressive professional record of 18 wins and 1 loss, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His ability to finish fights and maintain consistency has been a hallmark of his career across multiple promotions.
UFC Highlights
Since joining the UFC in 2021, Garry has accumulated numerous wins, including knockouts and unanimous decisions against high-level opponents. His first UFC win was a knockout in his debut fight, setting the tone for his competitive presence. His most recent victories in 2025 have further cemented his status as a top welterweight contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Garry’s Cage Warriors tenure featured a string of wins culminating in the welterweight title. His amateur career also showcased his finishing ability with six finishes in seven fights, underscoring his potential early on.
Ian Garry Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Garry’s family background beyond his marriage are limited. He has chosen to adopt the surname Machado Garry, incorporating his wife’s maiden name to unify his family identity.
Personal Life
Ian Garry is married to Layla Anna-Lee, with their wedding taking place in Las Vegas in February 2022. The couple has a son born in October 2022. Garry also has a stepson from Layla’s previous relationship. He follows a vegan diet and has spent time training in Brazil, where he learned to speak Portuguese.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Ian Garry continued to solidify his position as a top contender in the UFC welterweight division. He secured unanimous decision victories over Carlos Prates and former champion Belal Muhammad, showcasing his tactical prowess and resilience. Despite a loss in late 2024 to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Garry demonstrated growth and determination to remain a key figure in the title picture.
His ongoing collaboration with Chute Boxe Diego Lima has contributed to his evolving skill set and fight strategy. Garry’s performances in 2025 have positioned him for potential title opportunities and further high-profile matchups in the UFC.