We reported recently that top welterweight prospect, Ian Garry was training alongside Leon Edwards at Team Renegade in Birmingham, England. The two welterweights are both set to compete at UFC 296 with Edwards defending his 170lbs crown against Colby Covington and Garry taking on Vicente Luque.
This week, however, following an interview with The Independent, The Future revealed that the Edwards asked his coaches to not allow Garry to train in Birmingham anymore. Garry claims that this is due to the champions’ insecurities.
Speaking to The Independent, the undefeated prospect stated:
“Leon Edwards, his head coach asked me not to come back to Renegade. Told me I’m not allowed to train there. I have to word this correctly because I don’t wanna be… The guys at Renegade… it was great energy. Tom and Ash were very welcoming, lovely, and nice to me. It was nothing to do with them… Leon and his head coach had an issue with me training on the mats and recently have asked me not to train there, because, ‘Leon doesn’t want any insecurities or doubts on his own mats, within the gym,’ which I don’t fully understand.”
He went on to say: “I get that we’re both in the top 10 and you might see me as a threat, but I’m not a threat to you right now; I’m not fighting for the title right now. His coach said the words: ‘Ian is a threat, I cannot have Leon having any doubts or insecurities.’ That makes me think someone is weak-minded and can’t have another contender training on the mat. That’s why gym conflict is annoying. For me, why not have that other elite guy on the mat? Why not train with him?”
UFC 296
As of yet, it’s unclear as to where Garry will choose to train ahead of the biggest fight of his career to date. He did find a home at Kill Cliff MMA but because he’s matched with long-time Kill Cliff MMA member, Luque, he looked for alternative training.
As the fight is in Las Vegas, don’t be surprised to see him head over to Extreme Couture under Eric Nicksick and co. If he decides to remain in the UK, GB Top Team is a possibility, however, there isn’t a whole host of elite welterweights for Garry to work with.
He’d be better off heading back over stateside, linking up with Nicksick and looking for solid work before taking on Luque.
Edwards will, of course, remain in Birmingham training under Dave Lovell and the team in the Midlands.
