In the fast-paced world of UFC, rivalries often add an extra layer of excitement. Recently, Irish welterweight contender Ian Garry has been making headlines with his fierce criticisms of Colby Covington, a prominent figure in the MMA community.
Ian Garry Targets Colby Covington
While bi-division UFC champion Conor McGregor may have been eliminated from UFC 303, his fellow Irishman, #7 ranked welterweight contender Ian Gary, is looking to compete on the same card with Michael Page and Page in December 2023 and UFC Signing, Kevin made his impressive debut with a victory over Holland.
This increased activity follows Gary’s efforts to secure a fight against the now injured Colby Covington. In a recent interview with a source, Ian Gary did not hold back, accusing Covington of avoiding nominated opponents, including himself.
Debate between Gary and Covington
Colby Covington and Ian Gary have been feuding since December 2023. Covington escalated the tension by insulting Gary’s wife Layla Anna-Lee in her book “How to be WAG,” which also describes his relationship with young professional athlete Covington spread rumors that Gary’s wife is involved with her ex-husband, sports nutritionist Richard Cullen, training Gary.
In a recent interview with the source, Gary Covington was asked about his response to the insult. Covington called Gary a “nobody” and refused to fight him. Gary responded sharply that Covington was afraid the fighters would have more room than him, including himself.
“He’s not there to fight Gilbert Burns, who is grappler-heavy, a wonderful jiu-jitsu fighter. He wants to fight in a way that will help his boxing. I called him, and he didn’t answer. He runs and is afraid. I don’t think there will ever be a situation where Colby Covington will accept to fight me again,” Gary said.
Covington’s Career on the Decline?
Ian Garry didn’t stop there. He went on to suggest that Covington’s career is nearing its end. He even referred to himself as Covington’s “Kryptonite” and implied that Covington’s injury might be fabricated. However, the New York Post Sports host highlighted Covington’s recent interview with Adam Sosin. In it, Covington dismissed Garry as a “nobody” and indicated he preferred bigger fights, suggesting Garry wasn’t a worthy opponent.
Covington’s Response
Covington and Garry have been exchanging insults since last year, yet their potential fight remains elusive. Covington hasn’t fought since his injury following the loss to welterweight champion Leon Edwards. In a recent interview, Covington hinted he might be moving on from a fight with Garry.
“It’s really on my time, and I’ll fight when I’m ready to fight and when I’m healthy. I want big fights. The kid’s a nobody. He just got a split decision over the 12th-ranked kid. I’ve been fighting world champion after world champion for the last seven years straight,” Covington said.
The Current Standings
Despite the ongoing war of words, Colby Covington holds his ground as the #4 ranked welterweight contender with a solid 17-4-0 record. Ian Garry, on the other hand, remains focused on his upcoming bout against Michael Page at UFC 303, hoping a victory will bolster his position and perhaps reignite the possibility of a future clash with Covington.
As UFC 303 approaches, the drama between Ian Garry and Colby Covington adds a layer of intrigue to the event. Fans are left wondering if these verbal jabs will ever translate into an actual fight inside the octagon. For now, Garry’s accusations and Covington’s rebuttals keep the MMA community buzzing with anticipation and speculation.
