Leon Edwards’ Gym Closes Doors to Ian Garry Over Alleged ‘Doubts and Insecurities’

The Future @iangarryMMA has arrived to Chute Boxe Academy to prep for UFC 296 🇧🇷 @betr⚡️ pic.twitter.com/zRVr4IUR6I

— betr ⚡️Combat (@betrcombat) October 31, 2023

Ian Garry recently revealed that he has been removed from Leon Edwards’ Team Renegade gym in Birmingham, England.

While Garry (13-0) has trained in several gyms throughout his career, his recent squads have been Kill Cliff FC (formerly Sanford MMA) in Florida and Edwards’ Team Renegade. However, the undefeated welterweight prospect was recently booted from Team Renegade. Something he isn’t very happy about. According to Garry, Edwards (21-3) and his coach Dave Lovell were concerned about training with another ranked contender inside the gym.

“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,” Garry told The Independent.

“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? Why not have him push you? Why not learn and grow from each other?”

Garry also categorically mentioned that Ash Begg and Tom Breese, who run Team Renegade, were welcoming to him and there are no issues between them.

Team Renegade subsequently issued a statement to The Independent clarifying their decision to deny Garry time on their mats.

“Sometimes the coaches allow fighters to come in from the outside, but this is very much a privilege and not the norm. If the coaches feel it’s not adding to the team’s culture, a fighter is refused entrance. Ian Garry’s more nomadic approach to preparation has given him great results, but it’s not in line with what we are creating at Team Renegade.”

Garry is set to take on Vicente Luque (22-9) at UFC 296 on Dec. 16. The 25-year-old has reportedly found himself a new home in the Chute Box Academy in Brazil, where he has also previously trained.