Known as ‘The Future’, Ian Gary quickly made a name for himself in the UFC. With an impressive undefeated record and a reputation for exciting matches, Gary is also embroiled in a fierce feud with former interim welterweight champion Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington’s sealed match in harsh social media exchanges and personal jabs, especially directed at Gary’s wife Layla Machado.
UFC 303: It was Almost a Fight
Gary is set to face Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303 on June 29. However, many fans expected Gary to face Covington. In April, Gary announced on social media that he had agreed to fight Covington, saying, “I just wanted to let everyone know that I have agreed to fight Colby Covington. A date has been set – Colby has not made a deal yet.” .”
This followed Garry’s split decision win over Geoff Neal at UFC 298, after which he called out Covington. Covington responded with a video, posting dramatic details of the fight and making fun of Gary’s wife. Despite the buildup, the UFC announced Gary and Paige fight, prompting former ‘champion-champion’ Daniel Cormier to criticize Covington for doing so.
Covington Side of the Story
Covington replied on ‘SOSCAST’, “Daniel doesn’t know what he’s talking about… The big thing is I have to get healthy… It’s really on my time, and I’ll fight when I’m ready.” fight and when I’m healthy.” I want to fight more, this kid (Ian Machado Garry) has nobody.”
Covington reportedly broke his leg in his title fight against Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December 2023. His claim that he isn’t healthy enough to return at UFC 303 carries weight, but the intensity of the feud suggests a clash between the two of them is inevitable
The Beginning of the Debate
The animosity between Gary and Covington began when Gary expressed a desire to fight Covington following his win over Neil Magny at UFC 292. Gary described Covington as his ‘dream fight’ during a dream appeared on the source, “Colby Covington.” . . . . Oh my god, at home?… Go to Miami and punch him in the face in front of all his fans.”
The controversy intensified when rumors surfaced about Gary’s personal life and his wife’s “How to Be A WAG” book. Machado later clarified that the book was a joke, and Covington attacked Gary with it. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Covington called Gary a “legitimate c**k” and criticized Machado for promoting ‘WAG’.
Will the Feud Reach the Octagon?
The back-and-forth also earned Gary a chance to face Covington at UFC 303. In an interview with ‘New York Post Sports,’ Gary criticized Covington for avoiding the fight, “The truth is it’s absolute bollocks.” which says] I am.” there’s nobody for him to mess this up.” It’s an easy way to try… He has no choice but to fight anyone above him [in the UFC rankings], and I’m the highest[ -ranked] guy who can fight, if he wants to fight stylistically.”
Garry says he thinks he’s a big threat to Covington’s career, saying, “I think he’s got his chance, he ran, and he’s too terrified because he knows the truth: I am this career’s end for him. He sees me as that kryptonite.”
