Eddie Hearn has signed Ian Machado Garry to the Matchroom Talent Agency, as a second UFC fighter joins the boxing promoter’s new venture.
Earlier this year, the mixed-martial-arts world was gripped by news that Hearn had signed UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, and in Machado Garry, Matchroom has acquired the UFC’s No 1 welterweight contender.
Machado Garry, 28, also joins England rugby-union player Henry Pollock in signing with Hearn, who is not signing these athletes to the Matchroom boxing promotion, of course, but rather a new talent agency.
Still, Aspinall’s signing proved controversial given Hearn’s bitter feud with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who kickstarted Zuffa Boxing earlier this year and even acquired Conor Benn, whom Hearn had supported through his entire boxing career – including a two-year saga in which the British fighter failed two drug tests.
Aspinall has had his own frustrations with the UFC in recent months, too, taking exception to comments made by White after Aspinall fought Ciryl Gane to a no-contest in October; the Manchester heavyweight could not continue after suffering several eye pokes, but White suggested that Aspinall had chosen not to keep fighting, although the injuries eventually led to double eye surgery.
Machado Garry’s signing is the second major piece of news involving the Irishman this week, after it was announced that he will challenge pound-for-pound No 1 Islam Makhachev in August. The Russian will defend the UFC welterweight title against Machado Garry in Philadelphia, in the main event of UFC 330.
“I have a lot respect for Matchroom,” Machado Garry said. “Signing with their talent agency isn’t just a step outside of the Octagon, it’s an extension of the same mission: be undeniable everywhere. This is about building a legacy, and this is just the beginning.
“Matchroom was built by a family that turned a vision into an empire, and that’s exactly the kind of legacy I love. My team is my family too; it’s how I operate, it’s how I win. Together we can continue to be disruptive and change the game.”
Hearn added: “Ian Machado Garry is on the cusp of greatness, and I truly believe he is the one of the next big superstars in combat sport.
“Since signing UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, we have been inundated with MMA athletes asking us to represent them. But we handpicked Ian because he was someone who we really wanted to work with – and someone we truly believe in.
“He is a phenomenal talent. He is one of the most charismatic and skilful fighters in the sport today. And on August 15 he will win the UFC welterweight championship.
“Beating Islam Makhachev will give Ian that superstar status he deserves and will make him one of the key figures in MMA.”
Hearn, 46, has been critical of UFC fighter pay in recent months, particularly since beginning to work with Aspinall, 33. The promoter even labelled Aspinall’s contract a “disgrace” in one interview.
