In the lead-up to UFC 296, welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry has found himself in the midst of a storm of controversy, with headlines ranging from his departure from Team Renegade to rumors of being knocked out in practice and the scrutiny of his wife Layla Machado Garry’s book, “How to be a WAG.” Amidst the drama, fellow fighter and former teammate Gilbert Burns shares his perspective, urging a shift towards the positive aspects of Garry’s journey.
Burns, who trained alongside Garry at Kill Cliff FC, expressed his amusement at the tendency of fans to gravitate towards sensationalism and drama. In an interview facilitated by Stake.com, Burns questioned the focus on negativity, emphasizing the potential for drama to generate more attention.
“Why are we going so much to the drama side, you know?,” Burns questioned. “Why are we not going to the good side? I guess the drama gives more views and things if people get more gossipy and they like it.”
Contrary to the negative headlines, Burns shared positive experiences with Garry and his wife, highlighting their positive contributions to the team and their apparent happiness. Dismissing age-related comments about Layla, Burns emphasized the importance of personal happiness in relationships.
“They have a good relationship so far as I see,” Burns stated. “They look good. Whatever they want to say, she’s a little bit older, whatever, but we have a lot of people that are like that. The way I see it, if he’s happy, if she’s happy, if it works for them, whatever, you know? Do whatever you want. They’ve been good to me. They’ve been good to the team for sure.”
Looking ahead to UFC 296 on December 16, where Garry is set to face Burns‘ friend and training partner, Vicente Luque, Burns expressed his anticipation for a compelling matchup. Despite Garry’s youth and speed, Burns sees Luque as a brother and will be rooting for him in the upcoming clash.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Burns remarked. “They both are strikers. For sure, Ian is the younger guy, the faster guy. He comes quick, you know. He starts fast. He’s got good volume, good kicks, good hands. Vicente’s going to come with war, like he’s battle-tested. He fought so many guys, got into a lot of wars. It’s going to be a good one.”
As the UFC 296 event approaches, Burns‘ perspective serves as a reminder to focus on the positive aspects of fighters’ journeys, celebrating their accomplishments and skills inside the Octagon.
Editor’s View:
In the midst of swirling drama surrounding Ian Machado Garry, Gilbert Burns, a stalwart in the MMA community, lends a voice of reason. Reflecting on the recent controversies, Burns questions society’s inclination toward drama, urging a focus on the positive. Having shared positive experiences with Garry and his wife, Layla Machado Garry, Burns dismisses the gossip and highlights the couple’s contentment. As Garry gears up to face Burns‘ friend and training partner Vicente Luque at UFC 296, Burns offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging Garry’s skills while standing firmly in support of Luque. Amidst the storm of rumors, Burns advocates for a narrative that embraces camaraderie and the essence of a good fight.
