Ian Garry has become the target of criticism after revealing a new side of his personality. Scheduled to face Islam Makhachev in the main event of UFC 330 on August 15th, the Irishman went against the grain of some fighters and embraced feminist causes. This attitude has bothered his fellow professionals.
In an interview on the High Performance program, Ian Garry discussed personal aspects of his life and revealed that he is emotionally open, stating that he feels completely comfortable with his 'feminine side'.
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"I cry watching Disney movies. I'm so at peace with my feminine side that I think it makes me more masculine," said Ian Garry.
Garry also commented on social issues, arguing that the world would be a better place if it were led by women, emphasizing the importance of listening to them and giving them more space to assume leadership positions.
"If the world were governed by women, we would all live in a better world. If we would just listen to them and let them take control, it would be an easier world," the Irishman added in another passage.
UFC fighters react negatively.
Josh Hokit was one of those who reacted to Ian Garry 's statements , adopting an ironic tone when commenting on the leadership qualities mentioned by the Irishman. The athlete questioned the argument and ended the post with a direct provocation to the fighter.
“Yes, because when I think about the ingredients of great leadership; logical decision-making, consistency, non-erratic behavior patterns, not being swayed by emotions & the ability to not give a damn what anyone thinks about them…. I think the female gender does this by far the best! Ian is a great fighter, but what a fairy.”, she wrote. Josh Hokit.
Sean Strickland He also spoke out on social media and made a brief, offensive comment in response to the topic, maintaining the provocative style he usually adopts publicly.
'Cuckold', he replied. Sean Strickland.
Cuckold
Sean
How can you be such a cuck? It's remarkable. pic.twitter.com/3aHhosihMR
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) July 22, 2026
Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) July 22, 2026
Jack Shields followed the same line and offered a personal critique by citing an episode involving Garry's private life, using the case to reinforce the mocking tone.
"This guy hired his wife's ex-boyfriend to cook at his house," wrote Jack Shields.
Oh no https://t.co/s5e51xOOLQ
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 22, 2026
Marvin vettori, in turn, harshly criticized the Irishman with direct attacks, questioning his stance and expanding on the nature of the offenses in another post, in which he also made derogatory comments when addressing the topic.
"How can you be such a cuckold? It's remarkable," he wrote. Marvin vettori.
How can you be such a cuck? It's remarkable. pic.twitter.com/3aHhosihMR
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) July 22, 2026
"I don't think so at all, but I can see how there are fags out there who could beat up decent men, and that's sad," the Italian added.
I don't think so at all but I can see how there are faggots out there that could beat up decent men and thats sad
— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) July 22, 2026
Understand the controversy: Why did Ian Garry become the target of the nickname 'cuckold' in the UFC?
Ian Machado Garry alongside his wife Layla Machado. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @laylaannalee
The insults directed at Ian Garry by his fellow octagon fighters didn't start randomly. The Irishman became the center of one of the biggest backstage controversies in the UFC due to details of his personal life and marriage to British-Brazilian presenter Layla Anna-Lee, who is 14 years his senior.
Understand the three key points that fuel the provocations from rivals:
1 – The book “How to be a WAG”
In 2010, years before meeting Garry, Layla published an 11-page audio guide titled 'How to be a WAG' ('How to be a football player's/athlete's wife/girlfriend').
The accusation from critics: Fighters and fans on social media are using the post to accuse Layla of creating a 'gold digger's manual' to attract young and wealthy athletes.
The couple's defense: Layla and Ian categorically state that the publication was a humorous satire created during the South Africa World Cup, and not an actual guide.
2 – The ex-husband lives and works on the fighter's team.
The biggest point of contention for critics involves Richard Cullen, Layla's ex-husband.
Cullen is a renowned high-performance sports nutritionist and was hired by Garry to oversee his weight cutting process.
In addition to working with the team, the ex-husband travels and spends time with the family. Garry defends the decision, stating that he did it so that his stepson (Layla's son with her ex) wouldn't be separated from his biological father during the long trips.
3 – The surname 'Machado' and the attacks of Colby Covington
Fighter Colby Covington was the main catalyst for this narrative on social media before UFC 296. In press conferences, Covington began calling Garry a 'cuck' (a term for a cuckold or a man submissive to his wife) and spread the rumor that Ian had adopted the surname of Layla's ex-husband.
The truth about the surname: In fact, Garry adopted the surname Machado because it is Layla's mother's maiden name, an attempt to unify the family names so that his son and stepson would feel connected.
Rival and friend, Carlos Prates defends Ian Garry's wife.
In contrast to the wave of attacks, Brazilian Carlos Prates gave a true lesson in maturity when provoked by a fan to make jokes about Ian Garry 's wife . In February 2026, during the Q&A session with fans at UFC 325 in Australia, the Brazilian was asked 'how many times he had slept with Ian Garry 's wife '.
Upon hearing the translation, Prates immediately cut the fan off on stage.
“Brother, where I come from, you can’t speak ill of anyone’s wife or family. They can literally kill you if you say anything about their family. We are great rivals inside the cage, but outside of it we have great respect for each other. I’m sorry,” said the smoker from Fighting Nerds.
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