Ian Machado Garry Faces Intense Fan Criticism Over Shavkat Rakhmonov Remarks
Irish UFC welterweight fighter Ian Machado Garry is currently at the center of a social media storm, receiving significant backlash from fans following his recent comments about Shavkat Rakhmonov. The controversy erupted after Rakhmonov's unexpected removal from the UFC welterweight rankings due to injury-related issues, which has forced him out of competitive contention temporarily.
UFC Welterweight Rankings Shakeup Sparks Controversy
The athlete rankings experienced notable changes after UFC 325 concluded last weekend, but the welterweight division adjustments came as a surprise to many. Rather than resulting from fight outcomes, Shavkat Rakhmonov's elimination from the list occurred because of persistent injuries that have delayed his return to the octagon. While most fighters expressed sympathy or concern, Ian Garry saw this development as an opportunity to troll the undefeated Kazakh fighter publicly.
Garry took to social media platform X to mock Rakhmonov, writing "He was eliminated at our title eliminator" in reference to their previous encounter. This remark has drawn widespread criticism from the MMA community, particularly because Garry himself suffered a defeat against Rakhmonov at UFC 310. The Irish fighter's unconventional perspective on that loss has become a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Leon Edwards' Past Comments Resurface Amid Controversy
As discussions about Garry's remarks circulated across social media platforms, fans unearthed a revealing clip featuring former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards. During a 2025 interview with prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Edwards delivered scathing criticism of Garry's performance against Rakhmonov.
Edwards stated bluntly: "Ian's biggest achievement in this sport is losing to Shavkat, and that's a fact. I mean, that's his greatest achievement that he can brag that he didn't get finished. I mean, that doesn't work for me and my plans; it doesn't. If it comes, it comes; if it doesn't, it doesn't."
Fans have resurfaced these comments to highlight what they perceive as Garry's contradictory stance—taking pride in a match he lost while simultaneously mocking his opponent's current circumstances. The parallel between Edwards' assessment and Garry's recent behavior has intensified the criticism directed toward the Irish fighter.
The Context Behind Rakhmonov's Ranking Removal
Shavkat Rakhmonov's departure from the UFC welterweight rankings stems entirely from injury concerns that have prevented his scheduled return to competition. Unlike Garry, who has remained active with two fights since their encounter, Rakhmonov's recovery timeline has forced the UFC to adjust his ranking status temporarily. This administrative change reflects standard procedure for fighters dealing with extended absences due to health issues.
Meanwhile, Ian Machado Garry appears focused on advancing his career, with reports suggesting he's eyeing a potential matchup against the current welterweight champion. However, his recent social media conduct has overshadowed these ambitions, drawing attention to his sportsmanship and public persona rather than his fighting credentials.
The ongoing controversy raises questions about fighter conduct in the digital age, where social media remarks can quickly escalate into public relations challenges. As the UFC community continues to debate Garry's comments, the incident serves as a reminder of how quickly perceptions can shift in the world of professional mixed martial arts.
