A rigged duel in the UFC? Cheeky Irishman controversially wins, popular female fighter helps to forget the result with viral photo that thrilled male audience

Almost immediately after KSW 91 ended in Liberec, combat sports fans could switch to UFC 298. Especially the main card, which featured some interesting names, was tempting. One of them was Ian Machado Garry, who faced the biggest challenge of his career so far. The controversial fighter won, but rather controversially. What are the reactions?

Ian Machado Garry is one of the biggest prospects in the UFC. The Irish fighter is 27 years old, now boasts a record of 14-0 and is slowly and surely carving out a place among the top welterweights. He’s taking gradual but obvious and crucial steps towards becoming champion, or at least challenging for the title.

There’s no rush. He has plenty of time left in his career. However, besides the fact that he has an excellent record, one cannot overlook the fact that he is very controversial. His statements tend to be on the edge. Besides, he often changes his gams. He’s not exactly popular.

On the night of Saturday to Sunday, the Irishman appeared at the UFC 298 gala. His opponent was welterweight number eight Geoff Neal. The American has been the biggest challenge so far in the talented fighter’s career and it showed in the fight.

The respect from his opponent was evident. Garry backed off a lot, occasionally taking a short corner. Otherwise, it was a very even fight. But the attraction was quite limited. As far as the result goes, obviously Machado won. On points.

If the American fighter had won, no one would have been surprised. Two judges saw the Irishman win all three rounds, with the third scoring Neal 29-28. The reactions on social media look like this.

Controversial UFC result under fire from critics

Even considering how “popular” Ian Machado Garry is, it is not surprising that not everyone agrees with the result. For example, Uriah Hall, who has had 19 fights in the UFC, was very harsh on the Irishman’s win.

“This was the most ridiculous s**t we’ve ever witnessed. What fight were the judges watching? UFC is a rigged scumbag,” Hall wrote his in response on Twitter.

In a fit of rage, the legendary Quinton Rampage Jackson said he will fight Garry before his next fight to make sure there is no more theft. It’s worth noting that the veteran of the Pride, UFC and Bellator organizations last fought in 2019. His comeback, though unrealistic, would not be missed by many.

Less sharp has been veteran Ben Askren, who believes the fight was very evenly matched. He saw Neal win 29-28 himself, but is nonetheless curious to see if there will be a Garry vs Colby Covington duel. It was Covington who the Irishman challenged after winning.

But it was the women who made everyone happy. Specifically, Diana Belbita and Mackenzie Dern. Both are two of the most beautiful fighters in the UFC. The former is getting her act together after a cruel defeat, the latter fought right at the UFC 298 gala.

Belbita caught one camera’s eye during Dern’s duel with Amanda Lemos. She obviously took a picture of that one and to help forget the outcome of the Garry vs Neal duel, she posted it on social media.

Source: Twitter, UFC