Ian Garry faces competition in the form of Kayla Harrison for the UFC 303 co-main event slot.
On Saturday, it was announced that former double-weight champion Conor McGregor would end his three-year injury layoff against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29.
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Garry, who is a long-time fan of his fellow Irishman, immediately called in to co-headline the card opposite former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.
“That would be my goal. To see McGregor vs. Chandler main event and Ian Machado Garry as co-main event,” he recently told Genting Casino. “I think it would be a phenomenal card.
“I consider Conor a role model and inspiration who has proven that anyone can achieve their dreams. He showed us that you can become a UFC champion and do everything you’ve ever dreamed of.
“We grew up very close to each other in Dublin and we’re both on similar trajectories. Obviously he did it, and now it’s my turn to do it.”
“I don’t see why the UFC wouldn’t put this in place,” he continued. “I talked to [UFC Chief Business Officer] Hunter [Campbell] on this subject, if this opportunity arises, it must happen.
Garry isn’t the only fighter hoping to play a major role at UFC 303.
Bantamweight Harrison looked flawless as she submitted Holly Holm in her promotional debut at UFC 300, and she’s ready to make a quick turnaround.
The former PFL champion says she’ll happily co-host the McGregor vs. Chandler main event, but only if it’s for a version of the bantamweight title.
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Raquel Pennington currently holds the belt, but she is nursing an injury.
So, Harrison instead suggested a fight with ex-title holder Julianna Pena.
“Yeah, I heard ‘Rocky’ was injured all of a sudden,” she said on The MMA Hour.
“If she can’t fight right now, I’m happy to fight anyone this summer for the title.
“Why not [fight Pena] for the interim title then? Then I will unify it, then fight Amanda. [Nunes].
“If it’s for a title, I will make myself available [for June 29th]. I would like to.”
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“It’s my time. I like this idea [fighting at UFC 303]. I like it, let’s do it!
It is currently unknown whether Garry, Harrison or anyone else will play alongside McGregor and Chandler this summer.
One thing is for sure, Dana White will put on a packed show to celebrate the return of her biggest star, which coincides with International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
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