Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ian Machado Garry

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

How Ian Machado Garry built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ian Machado Garry is a highly touted Irish professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight division. A former Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion, Garry entered the UFC with significant hype, often drawing comparisons to fellow Irish superstar Conor McGregor due to his striking ability, charisma, and undefeated record. Since joining the promotion in 2021, he has demonstrated rapid progression, showcasing elite technical striking and a calculated fighting style. Known for his confidence and polarizing personality, Garry has consistently climbed the rankings, establishing himself as one of the most promising prospects in the welterweight weight class. He continues to refine his well-rounded skill set, aiming to secure a path toward the championship title while maintaining his status as a prominent figure in international MMA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

15 August 2026: UFC Welterweight Championship Matchup

On 15 August 2026, Ian Machado Garry is scheduled to face the reigning champion Islam Makhachev in a bout for the UFC Welterweight Championship at the UFC 330 event.

November 2017: Amateur MMA Debut

In November 2017, Ian Machado Garry officially began his combat sports journey by making his amateur mixed martial arts debut.

November 2018: Conclusion of Amateur MMA Career

By November 2018, Ian Machado Garry concluded his amateur mixed martial arts career, finishing with a record of 6–1, consisting of six finishes and one decision loss.

February 2019: Professional MMA Debut

In February 2019, Ian Machado Garry made his professional mixed martial arts debut at Cage Warriors 101. He secured a victory against James Sheehan by way of a unanimous decision, an achievement that resulted in him receiving the Fight of the Night award and signing a contract with the promotion.

July 2021: Signing with the UFC

In July 2021, Ian Machado Garry officially signed a contract to join the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after previously holding the Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship title.

November 2021: UFC Promotional Debut at UFC 268

On 6 November 2021, Ian Machado Garry made his successful UFC promotional debut by defeating Jordan Williams via a first-round knockout at the event known as UFC 268.

April 2022: Victory over Darian Weeks at UFC 273

On April 9, 2022, Ian Machado Garry competed at UFC 273 and secured a victory against Darian Weeks by way of a unanimous decision.

July 2022: Victory over Gabriel Green at UFC 276

On 2 July 2022, Ian Machado Garry competed at the UFC 276 event, where he secured a victory against Gabriel Green by way of a unanimous decision.

March 2023: Ian Machado Garry vs. Song Kenan at UFC 285

On March 4, 2023, Ian Machado Garry competed against Song Kenan at UFC 285. Despite suffering a knockdown in the opening round, Garry demonstrated resilience and secured a victory via technical knockout in the third round.

May 2023: Victory over Daniel Rodriguez at UFC on ABC 4

On 13 May 2023, Ian Machado Garry competed against Daniel Rodriguez at the UFC on ABC 4 event. Garry secured a victory by way of a technical knockout (TKO) in the opening round, an accomplishment that resulted in him receiving the Performance of the Night award.

August 2023: Ian Machado Garry vs. Neil Magny at UFC 292

On August 19, 2023, at UFC 292, Ian Machado Garry competed against Neil Magny after Magny served as a replacement for Geoff Neal. Garry successfully won the match by unanimous decision.

December 2023: Withdrawal from UFC 296

In December 2023, Ian Machado Garry was slated to compete against Vicente Luque at the UFC 296 event; however, he was forced to withdraw from the fight after contracting pneumonia during the week leading up to the bout.

February 2024: Victory at UFC 298

On February 17, 2024, at UFC 298, Ian Machado Garry competed against Geoff Neal and secured a victory by split decision in a highly competitive fight.

March 2024: Original Booking for UFC 299

In March 2024, Ian Machado Garry was originally scheduled to face Geoff Neal at the UFC 299 event, though this bout was later moved.

June 2024: Victory over Michael Page at UFC 303

On 29 June 2024, Ian Machado Garry competed against Michael Page at UFC 303, successfully winning the bout by a unanimous decision from the judges.

December 2024: Transition to UFC 310 Title Eliminator and First Career Loss

In December 2024, Ian Machado Garry was originally scheduled to face Joaquin Buckley on December 14 at UFC on ESPN 63, but he was removed from that bout to compete against Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 7, 2024, at UFC 310. This 5-round title eliminator resulted in Garry's first professional MMA loss via unanimous decision.

April 2025: Victory against Carlos Prates at UFC on ESPN 66

On April 26, 2025, Ian Machado Garry competed in the main event of UFC on ESPN 66, where he successfully secured a unanimous decision victory over Carlos Prates.

November 2025: Victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 265

On 22 November 2025, Ian Machado Garry competed at UFC Fight Night 265, where he successfully defeated former UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad via a unanimous decision victory.

June 2026: Meta UFC Welterweight Ranking Achievement

As of 20 June 2026, Ian Machado Garry holds the #2 position in the Meta UFC welterweight rankings, solidifying his status as a top contender in the division.