Tension continues to mount between No. 6-ranked Welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry and former champion Leon Edwards, a rivalry that has been simmering for nearly two years. Garry, known for his brash personality, routinely takes jabs at Edwards, even claiming that a fight between them will never occur.
The feud intensified after Edwards claimed he had given Garry “a little taste” in a sparring session, although he did not knock him out. Fast forward to 2025, and Garry has not relented, openly criticizing Edwards as “weak,” predicting his retirement, and asserting that the former champion lied about their training encounters at Renegade.
“They lied, and I don’t like liars,” Garry stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani. He expressed his belief that Edwards should retire, indicating a strong disdain for dishonesty and expressing a desire for a more transparent atmosphere in the sport.
Despite the animosity, Garry has made it clear that he has no intention of sharing the Octagon with Edwards, stating, “It doesn’t bother me [that I won’t fight him]. I have no want, no interest ever for him to ever earn any money off me.” He even suggested that if the stakes were high enough, he might consider a fight, with the intent of decisively defeating Edwards.
Interestingly, while Garry has remained vocal about his feelings towards Edwards, he has not scored a knockout since his UFC debut. However, he will be championing another fighter during UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, in New York City, where his former opponent, Carlos Prates, faces Edwards.
“I’m going to have a Brazil flag on my shoulders come November 15, cheering Carlos Prates on, watching him spark Leon Edwards unconscious,” Garry concluded. This demonstrates that, despite their differences, Garry’s focus remains on the competition and he is eager to support fighters he believes in. As the rivalry heats up, fans can look forward to an exciting event where the stakes for both fighters will be incredibly high.