Ian Machado Garry insists that Colby Covington has no choice but to fight him, dismissing the idea of Covington choosing other opponents, and stating he aims to take Covington out of the division.
Ian Machado Garry didn’t mince words. He was clear about his intentions for Colby Covington.
The reporter hadn’t even finished his question before Garry interrupted. He dismissed any notion of Covington slipping away from him.
Following his victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 298, Garry was in no mood to discuss other potential rivals. Covington was his focus.
“He doesn’t have a choice,” Garry stated bluntly during the UFC 298 post-fight press conference. He pointed out Covington’s three lost title fights. “There’s no other f****** option for him,” Garry insisted.
He questioned who else could be a suitable opponent for Covington. He was confident Covington wouldn’t sign up to fight grapplers or take on ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Garry’s tone was dismissive, “What’s the point of putting them two together?”
Garry was adamant. “He’s going to do what he’s f****** told,” he declared. He envisioned himself taking Covington out of the division and wiping him off the top 15.
The reporter noted Covington’s reputation and the potential for other opponents. Covington’s schedule had been disrupted by several failed bookings. After his third title shot loss at UFC 296 against current champ Leon Edwards, Covington seemed ready to rebuild his career. He had chosen Thompson as his next target.
Covington’s record wasn’t impressive either. He was 2-3 in his last five fights, losing twice to ex-champ Kamaru Usman and current champ Edwards. Garry seemed to be a better match with other rising fighters like Sean Brady, Jack Della Maddalena, and Shavkhat Rakhmonov.
When asked about these contenders, Garry didn’t hesitate. “I am a fighter who says yes,” he stated. He wasn’t picky. He was ready to fight whoever he wanted, and Covington was the biggest name without a title.
Garry saw the appeal in fighting Covington. The welterweight was not only a personal rival due to his attacks on Garry and his family, but he also had a certain star power. A win against him could propel Garry towards a title shot.
Covington was on Garry’s hit list, which also included ex-UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Strickland had also insulted Garry’s family multiple times.
Garry acknowledged Covington’s reputation in the MMA community. “He wrestles hard, he puts up output in fights, but he’s just not 1/10 of the fighter I am,” Garry said. He was ready to prove his superiority with a smile on his face.
Garry didn’t believe Covington was in a position to pick and choose his fights. “If he wants to fight, he’s going to do what he’s told,” Garry said. He was sure UFC execs Hunter Campbell and Dana White would agree.