Ian Machado Garry is one of the most talked-about names in today’s UFC welterweight division. Whether fans love him, hate him, or simply enjoy watching the drama he brings to fight week, there’s no denying he’s become a major global personality in MMA.
But behind the noise, many fans still ask basic questions:
Where was Ian Machado Garry born? What nationality is he? Where does he live and train now? Why does he have two last names? Is he Brazilian or Spanish?
And of course, the classic: Why don’t people like Ian Machado Garry?
This article covers all of it — in simple, updated, and easy-to-understand detail.
Birthplace: Where Was Ian Machado Garry Born?
Ian was born on November 17, 1997, in Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland.
Portmarnock is a quiet coastal town north of Dublin city — a place known more for beaches than cage fighting. But that’s where Garry’s journey began.
He grew up fully Irish, surrounded by family, friends, and the Dublin combat sports scene that would later shape him.
What Nationality Is Ian Machado Garry?
Ian Garry is 100% Irish by nationality.
He was born in Ireland, raised in Ireland, and spent the early part of his MMA career training and fighting out of Dublin.
Is Ian Machado Garry Brazilian?
No — not by nationality.
Is Ian Machado Garry Spanish?
No — he has no Spanish nationality or ancestry.
Many fans get confused because of his second surname (Machado) and the fact that he trains out of Brazil, but his passport, identity, and citizenship are Irish.
What Ethnicity Is Ian Machado Garry?
Ian is of White Irish / Irish European ethnicity.
His parents are Irish, and his cultural background is rooted entirely in Ireland.
There is no known Spanish or South American ancestral link — his Brazilian connection comes from his marriage and training camp, not ethnicity.
What Religion Is Ian Machado Garry?
Publicly, Ian has identified as Christian.
He does not speak about religion often, and it’s not the center of his public persona, but Christian faith appears to be his background.
Where Does Ian Machado Garry Live Now?
While Ian will always call Dublin “home,” he does not currently live full-time in Ireland.
Today, Ian splits his time between:
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Brazil – because of his long-term training environment
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The United States – especially during UFC fight camps, media, and events
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Europe / Ireland – when visiting family or doing promotional work
However, his primary modern base — especially during long stretches of training — has been São Paulo, Brazil.
Where Does Ian Machado Garry Train Today?
Ian trains at one of the most respected MMA gyms in the world:
Chute Boxe Diego Lima – São Paulo, Brazil
This gym is known for producing killers and elite strikers, including Charles Oliveira. It’s a tough room with high-level pressure sparring, which has clearly helped Garry sharpen his striking and composure.
He has also previously trained at:
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Sanford MMA (Kill Cliff FC) in Florida
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Renowned gyms in Ireland earlier in his career
But today, Brazil is his main training home.
This is also why people frequently ask if he’s Brazilian — because he speaks passionately about the country, its culture, and the gym he trains at.
When Did Ian Machado Garry Start Training?
Ian started combat sports very young:
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Age 10: Began boxing
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Teenage years: Started judo, eventually earning a black belt
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Late teens: Transitioned into full MMA training
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Age 19: Competed in amateur MMA
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Age 21: Made his professional MMA debut
He wasn’t a late starter — he built a well-rounded foundation long before stepping into major promotions.
Why Does Ian Machado Garry Have Two Last Names?
This is one of the biggest fan questions, so here’s the clear answer:
Ian was born Ian Garry.
He added “Machado” after marrying Layla Anna-Lee, who has Brazilian heritage tied to the Machado family line.
He took on the Machado surname:
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To honor his wife’s family
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To share a unified family name with his children
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To embrace the Brazilian cultural influence in his life
It isn’t a marketing stunt — it’s a personal choice tied to his family.
Is Ian Machado Garry Brazilian?
No — but he has a strong Brazilian connection.
He is not Brazilian by:
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Nationality
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Birth
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Ethnicity
But he is Brazilian by:
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Family through marriage
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Training base
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Daily life and culture while in São Paulo
So the correct answer is:
He’s Irish with Brazilian influence, not Brazilian himself.
Is Ian Machado Garry Spanish?
No.
The confusion usually comes from the “Machado” surname, which appears in Spanish, Portuguese, and Brazilian naming traditions.
But Ian has no Spanish heritage or nationality.
Why Don’t People Like Ian Machado Garry? (Honest Breakdown)
No athlete escapes criticism, and Ian Garry has a few sides that polarise fans. Here are some of the common reasons:
“Big talker” and hype – Garry has embraced a confident, somewhat brash persona, dropping statements about “being the best” and using bold language in media. Some fans see it as genuine confidence; others view it as hype or arrogance. For example, on Reddit one fan wrote:
“Ian Garry has to be by far the biggest clown in the sport”
Relatively quick rise – Because he rose quickly and was pushed strongly, some fans believe he hasn’t “paid dues” like older fighters did, which breeds resentment.
Training and “national identity” optics – Although Irish, because he moved his training base to Brazil and makes connections to Brazilian culture, some Irish fans feel he’s “abandoning” Irish roots; conversely, Brazilians may still view him as an “outsider.”
Mind-games & trash talk – In MMA, talking trash and psychological warfare are part of the sport, but it doesn’t always win you fans. Some dislike that side of Garry’s style.
So fundamentally: dislike comes from personality/perceived attitude, rather than a single major scandal.
The Truth: People Dislike Him for the Same Reasons Others Love Him
He’s loud, confident, talented, emotional, and intense.
- Some fans see charisma.
- Some see arrogance.
- Some see passion.
- Some see immaturity.
But no matter what side you’re on, he generates interest — and interest sells fights. That’s why UFC is heavily invested in his future.
Final Summary: Everything About Ian Machado Garry’s Origins and Identity
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Birthplace: Portmarnock, County Dublin, Ireland.
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Nationality: Irish.
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Ethnicity: White Irish / Irish heritage.
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Religion: Christian (publicly identifies).
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Training base + residence: Though raised in Ireland, he now trains at Chute Boxe Diego Lima in Brazil and spends significant time there.
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Start of training: Boxing at age 10, judo by teenage years, amateur MMA around age 19, pro debut at ~21.
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Name with two last names: Added “Machado” to his original surname “Garry” after marriage, to reflect his wife’s Brazilian heritage and unify the family name.
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Why some don’t like him: Bold personality, rapid rise, outspoken style, cross-cultural identity that may rub some fans the wrong way.
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Brazilian / Spanish?: Not Brazilian in nationality; not Spanish. Irish through and through, with Brazilian connections.
Ian Machado Garry is not just another UFC fighter — he’s a global personality with a unique identity that blends Irish pride and Brazilian influence. Love him or hate him, he’s here to stay, and his rise in the welterweight division is just getting started.
