Fleury On Garry's Lack Of Authenticity

Oktagon heavyweight champion Will Fleury says Ian Garry makes it difficult for fellow Irish fighters to rally behind him despite the welterweight's accomplishments inside the cage.

Fleury, who recently lost his Oktagon light heavyweight title to Makhmud Muradov, addressed Garry's upcoming UFC 330 title clash with Islam Makhachev during an appearance on Bowks Talking Bouts. When asked if Garry could embody a more positive image of Irish MMA compared to Conor McGregor's divisive public persona, Fleury expressed conflicted feelings about his compatriot.

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Irish Champion Questions Garry's Sincerity

"I really want to like Ian," Fleury said on the podcast, per BJ Penn. "I really want to get behind him cuz I want to support the Irish fighters. But he makes it hard sometimes." Fleury praised Garry's fighting credentials, citing his recent victory over Carlos Prates, but said he struggles to connect with the welterweight's public persona. "I want him to give me something to be able to get behind," he continued.

The Oktagon champion suggested Garry's interviews and online presence lack authenticity. "It doesn't seem like you're being sincere," Fleury explained. "It doesn't feel like this is something I can really buy into and put my heart into." He stopped short of writing off Garry entirely, noting the fighter has not crossed any unforgivable lines, but described finding it hard to fully support him heading into the Makhachev fight.

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Fleury clarified that Garry remains a skilled martial artist but believes the welterweight contender owes fans a more genuine version of himself. "I think you owe the fans to be who you are," he said. "I don't feel like Ian Garry is being who he is." Garry challenges Makhachev for the welterweight title Saturday at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Ian Garry makes it hard to get behind him, per decorated Irish MMA champ