UFC fighter Ian Machado Garry has vowed to retaliate against Sean Strickland and Colby Covington, who have targeted his family with derogatory comments, promising to “thump the mouth off” Strickland and “retire” Covington.
Ian Machado Garry’s got a list. A list of those who’ve done him wrong. It’s like something out of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, and he’s determined to tick off every name.
His current goal? UFC 298. He’s got his sights set on Geoff Neal. Wants to climb the welterweight division ranks. But he’s not forgotten the vile words thrown at his family. The main culprits? Sean Strickland, former UFC middleweight champ, and welterweight contender Colby Covington. They’ve targeted his wife and, indirectly, his son in social media posts, interviews, and press conferences.
Garry’s no stranger to trash talk. He’s been dishing it out since joining the UFC. But there are lines you don’t cross. Strickland and Covington? They’ve crossed them.
“Here’s the thing,” Garry said at UFC 298 media day. “Strickland called my wife a pedophile. No woman deserves that. And my son? Strickland’s followers questioned if he’s even mine. That hits me hard.”
Garry’s not taking it lying down. He’s got a promise for Strickland. “I’ll thump the f****** mouth off him one day. He won’t be able to handle me.”
Strickland’s not the only one in Garry’s crosshairs. After targeting Garry and his wife, Strickland attacked Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Strickland says some things are off-limits. Wives and kids, for example. But Garry’s family? Apparently, they’re fair game.
Garry’s not letting Strickland off the hook. “I’ve got a target on my back,” he said. “When you attack my family, that’s out of line. Strickland is not the voice we should be listening to. He’s got his own issues to deal with.”
Garry’s got a message for anyone who disrespects his family. “They’ll get theirs. Strickland? He’s lost the belt. Lost interest. I’ll take him on short notice and dance all over him. He won’t stand a chance.”
Covington’s next. He’s been following Strickland’s lead, targeting Garry and his wife. “I’ll beat Geoff Neal this weekend,” Garry said. “Then I’ll fight Covington. I’ll retire him. I’ll get rid of the clown.”
Garry’s got big plans. Beat Neal. Fight Covington. Take on the top three in the world. Earn a title shot next year. “After I beat Neal, there’s only one choice,” he said. “And it’s what I say.”
Despite the nasty comments about his family, Garry’s not backing down. He’ll keep up the mental warfare. But he won’t stoop to Covington or Strickland’s level.
Garry’s all for trash talk. If it’s smart, well-researched, and funny. But Strickland and Covington have taken it too far. “There’s a line,” Garry said. “Calling my wife a pedophile, saying my kid isn’t mine? That’s not trash talk. That’s abuse.”
Garry’s seen enough. He’s calling out the culprits. “Colby and Sean Strickland. They’re bringing a dark age to MMA. This is not what the sport’s about.”