Ian Garry criticizes Kamaru Usman’s weak taunts, True fighters don’t run away

Ian Garry once held Kamaru Usman in high regard—until the former welterweight champion declined a fight with “The Future,” leaving Garry feeling bitter. The fallout has sparked a war of words, with Garry openly calling out Usman’s decision to turn down the matchup.

Ian Garry Criticizes Kamaru Usman’s Weak Excuses

Usman, a dominant force in the 170-pound division and former champion with five title defenses, opted instead to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov, losing a decision at UFC 310 earlier this month in Las Vegas. For Garry, this choice was a significant disappointment.

“I had so much respect for him until he turned me down,” Garry said in an interview with Spaceport Sweden. “That’s the truth. He turned down the fight with me, and that’s the end of it. I respected him, his career, and everything he achieved as a champion. When I was just a kid watching the sport as an amateur, I watched him fight Gilbert Burns for the world title during COVID, and I thought, ‘F**k, this guy is one of the greatest we’ve ever seen.’ That’s the perception the world had of him at the time.”

Usman’s reign (20-4) as welterweight champion was one of the most dominant in UFC history, but his decision to avoid Garry has changed the Irishman’s perspective.

Ian Garry’s Bitter Words for Usman

The 27-year-old Ian Garry (15-1), known for his brash personality and rising star power, didn’t hold back when discussing his feelings about Usman’s rejection.

“When that same guy refuses to fight you, it changes how you think about him,” Garry explained. “So, I respected Kamaru, maybe still a little bit, but not much after he turned me down. Not much. And I don’t care about his excuses. I don’t care about his excuses. You refused to fight. In my mind, you’re a f**king coward.”

Usman last competed at UFC 294 in late 2023, stepping in on short notice to face Khamzat Chimaev, where he suffered a loss. Since then, Usman has claimed his break from fighting has been met with undue criticism, even drawing comparisons between his situation and that of heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones.

What’s Next for Ian Garry?

While Garry awaits a return to action, he remains focused on growth and securing a title in 2025. “Every year since joining the UFC, I’ve fought three times a year,” Garry said. “So, if I don’t fight until International Fight Week next year, you’ll see me in June or July, then September, then December. If I take six months off, it’s only because I want to focus on myself, make small adjustments, and come back ten times stronger. That’s my primary goal. But I will fight three times next year, and I will win the belt.“

As of now, Usman’s future remains uncertain, with no official fight scheduled. Garry’s ambition and sharp criticism of Usman highlight his determination to establish himself as the new face of the welterweight division.

A Changing Landscape in the UFC Welterweight Division

The tension between Garry and Usman underscores a larger shift in the UFC welterweight division. With veterans like Usman seemingly on the decline and rising stars like Garry eager to take their place, the division is at a turning point. Fans are left wondering if Usman will ever return to his former glory or if fighters like Garry will be the ones to define the future of the 170-pound weight class.

For now, Garry’s message is clear: excuses won’t cut it. “Real fighters don’t run,” he declared. Whether or not this statement motivates Usman to accept a future fight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Garry is here to stay, and he’s aiming for the top.