IRISH MMA star Ian Garry is set to enter the UFC welterweight rankings as he kept his perfect professional record intact.
The Portmarnock ace produced a stunning performance after a head kick that lead to a first-round knockout over Daniel Rodriguez.
ON THE BUTTON!
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) May 13, 2023@iangarryMMA gets the first-round finish!
#UFCCharlottepic.twitter.com/YatCXTgmZh
Los Angeles native Rodriguez was by far the toughest test of the Dubliner’s career to date, and Garry passed it with top marks.
The end came at 2:57 in the opening round as Garry picked apart his opponent with some slick counter-striking before planting the head kick.
Garry leaped on top, hammering punches until referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the contest.
His professional record is now 12-0 after last night’s win at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Speaking exclusively to SUNSPORT before last night’s fight, the 170lbs ace said he’d finish D-Rod with ease, and that proved to be the case.
He said: “He’s bog-standard, mate. I think he’s a very, very simple opponent. He’s a boxer in MMA, he’s a fairly decent jab that he uses to set up a left-hand that he overreaches, and extends on”
25-year-old Garry also received a $60,000 performance bonus as he awed the sold-out US crowd with the flawless performance.
Speaking after the bout, ‘The Future’ said: “No disrespect to D-Rod, but I knew I was better. I told you a big key in this fight was going to be that right leg. That high kick was beautiful. It was just timing. Shin to chin. That’s all you need in this game,
The Kill Cliff trained welterweight also made a callout during the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
He added: “I want the guy that’s been known as the gatekeeper to top 10 for God knows how long. His name is Neil Magny. I want you next. UFC, you have a new star in town.”
Unfortunately for Garry, Magny is already booked against Phil Rowe in June.
But it’s likely the confident Dublin star will enter the UFC rankings next Tuesday after the win.
Daniel Rodriguez was ranked at #15 ahead of last night’s bout.
Garry is certain to take that spot after the impressive finish of the 36-year-old MMA veteran.
