Team Renegade, the training ground for UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, has recently made the decision to part ways with top contender Ian Machado Garry.
Garry revealed this surprising development during an interview with The Independent last week, voicing his disappointment with no longer being able to train at the renowned U.K. gym. Although Garry has trained with various teams throughout his career, a significant amount of his time has been spent at Kill Cliff in South Florida and with Team Renegade in Birmingham, England.
“Leon and his head coach expressed concerns about me training on their mats and have recently asked me to refrain from doing so,” Garry revealed. “This decision was made because Leon doesn’t want any insecurities or doubts within the gym.”
“I understand that we’re both ranked in the top 10, and you might see me as a threat,” Garry continued. “However, I’m not currently fighting for the title. His coach even said, ‘Ian is a threat, I cannot have Leon having any doubts or insecurities.'”
As Garry prepares for his upcoming fight against Kill Cliff teammate Vicente Luque on Dec. 16 at UFC 296, he struggles to comprehend the reasoning behind being excluded from the training facility in England.
“This makes me question the mindset of someone who is unwilling to have another contender training alongside them,” Garry expressed. “Why should gym conflicts exist? In my opinion, why not have another elite fighter on the mat? Why not train together and push each other to grow and improve?”
In response to Garry’s comments, Team Renegade provided a statement to The Independent, stating that their decision was based on Garry not aligning with the gym’s culture.
“Although coaches occasionally allow outside fighters to train with us, this is considered a privilege and not the norm,” Team Renegade explained. “If the coaches feel that it does not contribute to the team’s culture, entrance may be denied. Ian Garry’s more nomadic approach to training has yielded positive results, but it doesn’t align with what we are cultivating at Team Renegade. This decision is not targeted at any specific fighter or coach.”
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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