Ian Machado Garry provides health update following UFC 296 withdrawal

Ian Machado Garry has spoken on his health status following his withdrawal from Saturday’s UFC 296.

The undefeated rising UFC welterweight contender fell ill to pneumonia and was pulled out by doctors from his fight against Vicente Luque on Wednesday night. This bout was scheduled to take place on the pay-per-view main card of UFC 296, which takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

During a phone call with TNT Sports, which was broadcast live during the UFC 296 official weigh-ins, Garry (13-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) provided an update on his health and reacted to the cancellation of his fight.

“I can barely breathe,” Garry said. “… It’s upsetting and irritating because you guys know I love to fight more than anything, and I’ve never pulled out of a fight. I’ve never been in this situation, but here we are, and I’m going to deal with it the way we deal with it, the best in the world.”

Below, you can hear the full call with Garry:

Ian Machado Garry joins the UFC296 weigh-in show @iangarryMMA on his current health and his withdrawal from his fight with Vicente Luque. #UFC296 | Saturday | TNT Sports Box Office pic.twitter.com/rwJWkGU1vb

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 15, 2023

Prior to the withdrawal, Garry experienced a dramatic lead-up to his planned bout with Luque.

The Irishman has been the centerpiece of much conversation going into fight week due to facing former Kill Cliff FC training partner Luque, his relocation to multiple gyms throughout training camp and the online backlash he’s received due to a social media examination into the relationship with his wife, Layla.

Before fight week began, Garry said he was concerned for the safety of his wife and child. There was anticipation to hear from him during his appearance at Wednesday’s UFC 296 media day. Garry was the first fighter scheduled to speak, but did not arrive at the UFC Apex for his time slot. Later that night, his illness and withdrawal from UFC 296 were revealed by UFC president Dana White.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.