In the cutthroat world of mixed martial arts, the path to the top is arduous, but the descent can be swift and brutal. Few recent statements encapsulate this reality as starkly as Ian Machado Garry`s recent advice to former UFC champion Leon Edwards: “If I was Leon I’d be retiring.”
This isn`t merely a casual observation; it`s a calculated jab from a rising star, currently ranked No. 5 in the welterweight division, aimed directly at a veteran who, until recently, stood at the pinnacle. Garry`s comments, made during an interview, follow a concerning period for Edwards, who has suffered back-to-back losses, culminating in a particularly dominant submission defeat to Sean Brady at UFC London this past March. This was a stark contrast to the dominant fighter Edwards once was, especially considering his long and arduous journey to capture UFC gold in 2022.
The Shifting Sands of the Welterweight Elite
Edwards` recent struggles – a submission loss to Brady and a prior title fight defeat to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 where, according to many observers, he offered little resistance – paint a picture of a fighter potentially past his prime. For Garry, seeing the English star falter in a main event on home soil was, apparently, the final piece of evidence needed. “He clearly doesn’t have the love for it anymore. Clearly doesn’t have the talent for it against the best young youth of the division,” Garry stated with the confidence of someone ready to seize the spotlight. His prescription for Edwards? “Just kick it in, say you were a world champion, and go off into the streets of Birmingham, tell the people story of what was, not what is.”
Such bluntness is not uncommon in MMA, a sport where self-promotion often borders on psychological warfare. Garry, at 27, represents the “best young youth” he speaks of, part of a new wave including Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Joaquin Buckley, and Michael Morales, all eager to stake their claim. The welterweight title itself has been in flux, recently changing hands from Belal Muhammad to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. Garry was even the official backup for that fight, a testament to his proximity to the top. His confidence is unwavering, asserting he would have left Montreal with the belt had he been called upon.
The Relentless Pursuit of Gold
Garry`s ambition is palpable. He believes his time for a title shot was already due, expressing mild exasperation that the opportunity hasn`t materialized yet. His conviction is absolute: “Had I fought that night, I would have a belt wrapped around my waist. That’s what I truly believe.” This isn`t mere bravado; it’s a necessary mindset in a sport that demands unwavering self-belief, even when external factors don`t align with one`s timeline.
The suggestion of retirement for a former champion is a harsh reminder of the sport`s unforgiving nature. Athletes dedicate years, often a decade or more, to reach the pinnacle, only to face the inevitable decline. For Leon Edwards, who fought since 2011 and endured nine long years to finally achieve UFC gold, the recent turn of events is undoubtedly a bitter pill. While Garry`s advice might seem uncharitable, it encapsulates the Darwinian reality of professional fighting: there is always a younger, hungrier contender ready to step into the void left by a veteran`s struggles.
The Inevitable Question
Is Garry`s advice a genuine concern for a peer, or a strategic move to clear the path and establish his dominance? In MMA, it`s often a blend of both. Fighters constantly assess their rivals, and vocalizing perceived weaknesses is a common tactic. What remains clear is that the welterweight division is dynamic, populated by formidable talent, and the narrative of youth versus experience will continue to play out in the octagon. Whether Leon Edwards heeds Garry`s “advice” or uses it as fuel for a resurgence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation around his future, and the division`s landscape, has just become significantly more interesting.
