Sean Brady expressed frustration after Ian Machado Garry declined to headline UFC Vancouver, a fight Brady claims was offered to him. The match was set to be a crucial welterweight bout, but Garry’s refusal led the UFC to replace the main event with Anthony Hernandez versus Reinier de Ridder.
Brady revealed that his manager initially called him around the end of June, during International Fight Week, about a fight against Garry at UFC 319 in Chicago. Brady accepted the offer but then heard nothing for weeks, assuming the UFC had moved on. Later, the UFC approached him again to main event a card in Vancouver against Garry, to which he agreed immediately. Brady has been eager to compete since May, stating he accepted the fight twice.
Brady further indicated that Garry was delaying the fight process.
“Now, I don’t know why, Ian’s f*****g dragging his feet or whatever he was doing and now they put in (Reinier de Ridder) and ‘Fluffy’ (Anthony Hernandez). Now once again we’re sitting and waiting. So thanks Ian, just lost another main event because of you, my man,”
Brady said.
Background on Sean Brady’s pursuit of a fight with Ian Machado Garry
Brady’s disappointment goes beyond missing the UFC Vancouver main event; he has been vocal about wanting a fight with Garry. In fact, Brady called out the Irishman publicly in September, underscoring his desire to settle the contest.
“I just think Ian thinks he’s God’s gift to earth, and he’s not, and I feel like everyone in this sport feels the same way,”
Brady stated.
Currently ranked second in the welterweight division, Brady holds a professional record of 18 wins and 1 loss, and is riding a three-fight winning streak following a submission victory over former champion Leon Edwards. Garry, ranked sixth at welterweight, remains a significant opponent on Brady’s path.
Implications of the fight not materializing and future prospects
The failure to secure the Brady vs. Garry fight for UFC Vancouver leaves questions about whether the UFC will reschedule this matchup in the near future. Brady’s public remarks highlight his eagerness to compete and frustration with delays, reflecting the tensions surrounding fight negotiations in the division.
This missed opportunity also shifts the UFC’s welterweight landscape heading into October 18, as fans await clarity on Brady’s next opponent and timeline. The situation underlines the challenges fighters face in arranging key matchups in a highly competitive promotion.