TLDR
- Leon Edwards called Ian Machado Garry’s biggest achievement “losing to Shavkat” in recent interview
- The former teammates split from Team Renegade gym amid tension and public disagreements
- Edwards faces Carlos Prates at UFC 322 while Garry fights Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar a week later
- Edwards is coming off two consecutive losses and looking to return to title contention
- Garry has stated he would cheer for Prates to knock Edwards unconscious
Leon Edwards has fired back at Ian Machado Garry over talk of a potential matchup between the former training partners. The two welterweight contenders share a complicated history that dates back to their time training together at Team Renegade gym.
Edwards and Garry were once teammates before Garry’s departure from the camp created tension between them. The split has led to public disagreements about what happened. Garry claimed he was asked not to return due to “insecurities and doubts” from Edwards and his coach. Team Renegade reportedly said Garry did not “add to the team’s culture.”
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Edwards made his feelings clear about his former teammate. He said Garry’s biggest achievement in the sport is losing to Shavkat Rakhmonov. Edwards emphasized this was factual, pointing out that Garry’s main claim is not getting finished in that fight.
Edwards Slams Machado Garry: Losing to Shavkat Is His ‘Biggest Achievement’https://t.co/UkRmabR9Q1#boxing #boxingnews #boxingtwitter pic.twitter.com/Zd66uorWDk
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) November 14, 2025
The former champion expressed little interest in facing Garry at this stage. Edwards stated the fight doesn’t fit his plans right now. He said if it happens, it happens, but if not, he’s not concerned.
Edwards captured the UFC welterweight title with a knockout victory in 2022. He has been working to re-establish himself after losing his last two fights. The British fighter is scheduled to face Carlos Prates at UFC 322 this weekend.
Edwards Seeks Title Return
For Edwards, the timing of a Garry fight presents complications. He is ranked higher than Garry and has faced tougher competition throughout his career. A win over Garry wouldn’t move him past the legitimate title contenders he needs to face.
The risk factor weighs heavily in Edwards’s calculations. A loss to Garry would push him further down the rankings. It would derail his plans to get back into title contention quickly.
Garry has his own schedule ahead. He is set to face Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar the following week after Edwards fights. Muhammad previously held the welterweight title and represents a major test for Garry.
Leon Edwards gives his take on Ian Machado Garry. #UFC322 pic.twitter.com/ulN3PARUWu
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 12, 2025
Garry Responds With Criticism
Garry has not held back in his own comments about Edwards. He questioned Edwards’s integrity in interviews following their split. Garry stated he has no interest in letting Edwards earn money off fighting him.
The Irish contender went further with his remarks about Edwards’s upcoming fight. Garry said he would be cheering for Prates to knock Edwards unconscious at UFC 322. These comments show the depth of animosity between the former teammates.
A matchup between Edwards and Garry could become reality if both win their next fights. However, both fighters seem lukewarm on the idea for now. Edwards views it as low value while Garry questions whether Edwards deserves the opportunity.
Garry has emerged as a top contender in the welterweight division without challenging for the title yet. His rise in the rankings has coincided with his split from Team Renegade. The tension with Edwards adds a personal element to the welterweight division’s landscape.
The welterweight division remains crowded with contenders seeking title shots. Jack Della Maddalena faces Islam Makhachev at UFC 322, potentially opening paths for both Edwards and Garry. Depending on results, either fighter could earn a shot at the winner.
