The UFC Feud That’s Dividing Fans: Why Ian Garry Refuses to Fight Leon Edwards—Ever
The world of MMA is no stranger to heated rivalries, but the ongoing feud between Ian Garry and Leon Edwards has reached a boiling point that’s leaving fans both intrigued and divided. But here’s where it gets controversial: Garry, the No. 6-ranked Welterweight contender, has made it crystal clear that he will never step into the Octagon with Edwards—not for money, not for pride, and certainly not for the former champion’s benefit. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about their clashing personalities; it’s about a deep-seated distrust that dates back to their tumultuous time as training partners.
It all began in 2023, when Garry, on a global quest for the best training partners, joined Edwards’ Team Renegade in Birmingham, England. The partnership was short-lived, with Garry being asked to leave under the guise of not fitting the team’s culture. Edwards later added fuel to the fire by claiming he gave Garry ‘a little taste’ during sparring sessions, though he denied knocking him out. Fast forward to 2025, and the animosity hasn’t faded. Garry has been relentless in his criticism of Edwards, labeling him mentally weak, predicting his retirement, and accusing him of lying about their past interactions.
‘They lied, and I don’t like liars,’ Garry told Ariel Helwani in a recent interview. ‘When people make up lies, I see their true colors.’ This bold statement highlights the personal nature of their conflict, which goes beyond the typical pre-fight trash talk. Garry’s disdain for Edwards is so profound that he’s willing to root for Edwards’ opponent, Carlos Prates, at UFC 322 on November 15, 2025, inside Madison Square Garden. ‘I’ll be wearing a Brazil flag, cheering Carlos on,’ Garry declared, confidently predicting that Prates will knock Edwards out. But here’s the kicker: Garry himself has yet to secure a knockout victory inside the Octagon, making his bold predictions all the more intriguing.
What’s truly fascinating is Garry’s stance on a potential fight with Edwards. ‘I have no want, no interest ever for him to earn any money off me,’ he stated emphatically. However, he did entertain the idea of a high-stakes, all-or-nothing bout, claiming he’d leave Edwards ‘punch-round unconscious’ without taking a dime. This raises a thought-provoking question: Is Garry’s refusal to fight Edwards a matter of principle, or is it a strategic move to avoid a matchup he’s not confident in winning? What do you think? Is Garry’s stance justified, or is he dodging a fight he knows he can’t win?
As the MMA community eagerly awaits UFC 322 and Garry’s own matchup against Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar a week later, one thing is certain: this feud is far from over. Whether you’re Team Garry or Team Edwards, the drama unfolding outside the Octagon is just as captivating as the action inside. So, who’s side are you on? And more importantly, do you think these two will ever settle their differences in the ring? Let us know in the comments!
