Though he was clearly not the fan favorite in this fight, and it wasn’t the most exciting encounter, Ian Machado Garry continues his rise up the UFC welterweight ranks with his win over Geoff Neal at UFC 298.
Ahead of the bout, Garry was under a lot of pressure due to his antics outside the Octagon. Hence, the bout against Neal presented the Irish fighter with an opportunity to put all the outside noise behind him and get back into the fans’ good books. However, judging by the reaction from the crowd inside the Honda Center toward Ian and his wife, Layla Machado Garry, he has failed to do so.
The first round saw both men feel each other out, with Machado Garry circling around the outside, while Neal looked to bring pressure and cut off the cage. About halfway through the first, Neal landed a combination and pressed Machado Garry against the cage. Machado Garry, however, fought back in the final minute, finding his distance and using it as he landed strong kicks.
Ian Garry defeated Geoff Neal after a somewhat underwhelming back-and-forth between the two. Heading into the bout, both Neal and Garry spoke about an entertaining bout and potentially securing a stunning finish. But the contest was far from it. While they did land some good shots throughout the bout, it was a lukewarm fight altogether. The 26-year-old Irishman won the bout via a split decision.
Ian Gary wins a very boring fight, and the fans boo him loudly #UFC298
إين غاري ينتصر بقتال ممل للغاية، والجماهير تستهجنه بشكل قوي #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/FrDRayINuX
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) February 18, 2024
Why do fans hate Ian Garry’s wife Layla Machado Garry?
As per UFC Stats, Neal landed a total of 57 strikes and 46 significant strikes. Garry, on the other hand, managed 67 significant strikes and 80 strikes in total.
So it was quite a timid display from both the fighters. Unhappy with Garry’s performance, fans also started a “cu* k” chat during the fight. For the uninitiated, Ian’s wife, Layla Machado Garry, has been quite a polarizing character amongst the fans.
"I want to retire you (@ColbyCovMMA) from the UFC."
After tonight's win, @IanGarryMMA knows exactly who he wants to see next in the Octagon! #UFC298 pic.twitter.com/mCM3af8mzF
— UFC (@ufc) February 18, 2024
Fighters, fans react as Ian Machado Garry earns win over Geoff Neal in lackluster encounter.
I hate all the mid fight touching
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) February 18, 2024
Gary fought extremely well. Mel had a hard time closing the gap. Great fight
— Randy Brown (@TouchNgo_) February 18, 2024
29-28 Neal in a close fight. #UFC298
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 18, 2024
Ian Garry is up there with Usain Bolt 😂
Run -run run— Themba T L Gorimbo (@TheAnswerMMA) February 18, 2024
Interesting clash of styles. It's hard being the short guy in the ring. #UFC298
— Chris Curtis The Action Man (@Actionman513) February 18, 2024
He’s a runner he’s a track-star lmfao nah but respectfully a full check is better than Half
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) February 18, 2024
Felt Iike Neal lost this fight more than Garry won it. Frustrating to watch. #UFC298
— Eric Nicksick (@Eric_XCMMA) February 18, 2024
Ian Garry is a track star.
— Cody Stamann (@CodyStamann) February 18, 2024
