Gilbert Burns: “Ian Garry Will Be A Champion In A Few Years”

In the fast-paced world of mixed martial arts, identifying rising stars is both an art and a science. Fighters come and go, but some leave an indelible mark that signifies greatness. Gilbert Burns, an established name in the UFC welterweight division, believes he has spotted one such future champion: Ian Garry.

At UFC 292, Garry showcased his undeniable potential as he dominated the experienced Neil Magny over a gruelling 15 minutes. His victory propelled him to an impressive 6-0 record under the UFC banner, leaving fans and experts alike buzzing about his future in the sport.

Garry’s performance drew admiration from his fellow fighters, including Gilbert Burns. The seasoned welterweight, who himself has challenged for the title, spoke highly of Garry’s prospects on MMA Fighting’s Trocaço Franca podcast.

Burns expressed his belief that Ian Garry would likely become a UFC welterweight champion in the coming years. He praised Garry, noting he’s just 25 years old, a formidable talent, and someone who accurately predicted and executed his fight strategy.

Burns’ endorsement carries significant weight. Having fought at the highest level of the sport and vied for the welterweight championship, he knows the attributes that make a fighter exceptional. Garry, at just 25 years old, already exhibits those qualities.

It’s worth noting that Garry’s journey to stardom has been marked by a series of impressive victories. His most recent triumph came against the seasoned Derrick Lewis on February 4, 2023, where he secured a victory via submission. This win marked his third consecutive victory and further solidified his status as a rising contender in the 170-pound division.

While Gilbert Burns is currently on the mend from a shoulder injury sustained in a gruelling five-round battle with Belal Muhammad, he is keeping a keen eye on the welterweight landscape. He sees Garry as part of a new wave of fighters who are poised to make a significant impact on the division.

But Garry is not the only young talent that has caught Burns’ attention. He cited Shavkat Rakhmonov as another promising fighter in the division, emphasising that there is “new blood” entering the welterweight ranks. Rakhmonov boasts a perfect 17-0 record and recently earned a spectacular standing choke victory over Geoff Neal.

Jack Della Maddalena, a formidable young prospect with an unblemished record in the UFC, is also on Burns’ radar. Maddalena will be returning to action on September 16th, facing off against Kevin Holland.

Burns didn’t stop there. He highlighted Michael Morales, a Venezuelan fighter with an impressive 15-0 record in MMA. Morales joined the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series and has already turned heads with his performances. Gabriel Bonfim, another undefeated fighter at 15-0, has showcased his skills with two first-round guillotine choke victories in the UFC.

As these young fighters continue to make their mark, established veterans in the division, like Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, are being urged to pay attention. Burns emphasised the importance of reinventing oneself to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving sport.

Burns cautioned that experienced fighters like ‘Wonderboy’ and Neil Magny, who recently faced a tough loss, should focus on reinventing themselves for their continued success.

Despite his own injury setback, Burns remains confident in his own abilities. At 37 years old, he believes he has more to offer in the UFC’s welterweight division. Unlike some of his contemporaries, who have faced a litany of injuries and surgeries, Burns feels that he is in peak physical condition.

Burns pointed out that ‘Wonderboy’ seems to require surgery after every fight and has endured many injuries. In contrast, Burns stressed his good health, versatility in jiu-jitsu, and eagerness to compete.

While age may be catching up with some fighters, Burns is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet. He remains motivated and driven to continue competing at the highest level.

He added that he still has a few years left in his fighting career. Despite ‘Wonderboy’ being 42, five years older than him, and dedicating his life to karate, Burns believes he’s on a higher level, both physically and mentally, than others like Neil Magny.

In a sport where youth often prevails, Gilbert Burns aims to prove that experience and determination can still lead to greatness. And as for Ian Garry, the sky’s the limit, with the belief of future greatness echoing in the words of a seasoned veteran.