This weekend, the UFC continue to spoil fans of the sport with yet another show-stopping card in their upcoming visit to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City for their UFC 268 event.
The entire card is a stacked affair from top to bottom; we’re are getting two title fights, a title eliminator and a great opportunity to witness some rising prospects that are tipped to do great things in the sport. Talking about rising prospects, one of the fights you should be keeping the eyes out for is the preliminary opener of the evening at welterweight between, Ian Garry and Jordan Williams. Ian Garry makes his UFC debut on November 6th just 5 months after his win at Cage Warriors 125 for the welterweight strap. The UFC snapped him up shortly after and given his potential and Irish roots, the expectations are high and Garry has no doubt that his future looks bright. As we’ve seen from his fellow countrymen, a trip to New York with this hype, who are we to doubt him. He takes on Jordan Williams, a welterweight who made his debut for the company back in October 2020 following a KO win in the Contender series. Next, we take a closer look at the pair.
Ian ‘The Future’ Garry (7-0-0)
In terms of expectations on a UFC debut, the Irishman’s record on paper looks sensational, and the hype surrounding his entry into the top organization in the world is legitimate and deserved. He enters the UFC octagon, a former Cage Warriors welterweight champ; he carries in a record of 7 wins and no losses, with 5 of those wins by way of stoppage. The Future is fresh from unarguably his biggest win to date against Jack Grant at Cage Warriors 125, and although he won the fight by decision, the performance was still worthy of carrying him to a victory and done single-handedly and impressively with no cornermen or coaching staff supporting him on the evening. Overall, the stars seem to be aligned and don’t be surprised if those betting odds despite being a debutant, are in favour of a Garry victory come fight night.
Jordan ‘Bomaye’ Williams (9-5-0)
Jordan Williams returns to action at UFC 268 following a run of back to back defeats, the last one being a tough submission loss in July against welterweight veteran, Mickey Gall. Overall, Williams, of Nor-Cal fighting alliance has encountered a struggle to find his feet in the division, and despite making a statement win by KO in the contender series, this remains his only win to date under the UFC banner. Expect a hungry fighter who will be well aware that should he fail to capitalize on an opportunity to show there are levels between the talents of Europe, to the talent pool in the UFC, a loss means he could very see his future in the UFC come screeching to a halt.
Who Takes It?
This fight on paper has Garry’s name all over it. He’s younger, a highly tipped prospect who comes in fresh off a title win and is yet to taste defeat in his professional career. Expect the Irishman to walk into the cage with all the confidence in the world, a new gym in Sanford MMA will no doubt bring him on greatly, and his ability to use his large frame to keep the distance whilst chipping away at opponents will serve him well against an equally tall fighter, who himself will look to counter at will and re-create scenes similar to his entry into the UFC. Although don’t be surprised if this goes to the ground, a controlled fight by Garry on the ground may be his path to victory, and keeping Williams on his back whilst dangerous strikes is a sure way to win as noticed in his fight with Gall. Due to the contrast between the pairs last few fights, it is hard to imagine a win for Williams, but as you know, everybody has a game plan until they get hit. Don’t miss this fight!
Prediction: Ian Garry by TKO
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