Ian Machado Garry has never been afraid to divide opinion. After previously making headlines for his outspoken views on masculinity and feminism, the UFC welterweight title challenger is once again at the center of debate, this time over his diet.
Just days before challenging Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight championship at UFC 330, Garry teamed up with PETA for a new campaign promoting a plant-based lifestyle. While the Irishman insists going vegan transformed him into a better fighter, many MMA fans were far from convinced.
Garry claims vegan diet changed his career
In PETA’s “The Future Is Plant-Based” campaign, Garry explained that switching to a vegan diet elevated every aspect of his athletic performance.
“Every fighter wants to be the best. For me, it starts with what I put in my body.”
The Irish contender claimed he was already physically strong before ditching meat, but believes the change unlocked another level of performance.
“Before I was plant-based, I was strong. But now, I’m on another level.”
According to Garry, the benefits go well beyond strength. He credits his diet with faster recovery, improved endurance, sharper mental focus and better overall discipline during training camps.
He also revealed that becoming vegan dramatically improved his weight management after years of battling illness during difficult weight cuts. Since making the switch in 2021, Garry says he has been able to accept short-notice fights without sacrificing his preparation or recovery.
“If I didn’t go vegan, I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now,” Garry previously explained. “I kept consistently getting sick.”
Fans aren’t buying it
While Garry intended the campaign to inspire athletes to consider a plant-based diet, the reaction across the MMA community quickly went in another direction. Instead of debating nutrition, many fans simply used the advertisement as another reason to pick Islam Makhachev to win their upcoming title fight.
Social media quickly filled with jokes about vegan fighters, with critics arguing that elite MMA still demands the nutrition provided by a traditional meat-based diet. Others questioned the heavily processed nature of many modern meat substitutes.
Here are some of the top comments under the video:
“If Garry ate meat he’d probably be able to finish his opponents.”
“Does he not have a brand manager like who tf let him do this ton himself smh”
“Imagine how good he would be if he ate a normal balanced diet rich in minerals, vitamins and protein”
“Bruh he’s a vegan.. can this man possibly become anymore less likeable?”
“He’s going to make me root for Islam”
Not everyone disagreed with Garry, however. Supporters pointed out that his recent performances hardly suggest a declining athlete. Since adopting his vegan lifestyle, he has continued climbing the welterweight rankings and earned the biggest opportunity of his career.
A polarizing organisation
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has long been one of the most polarizing advocacy groups in the world. The organization has repeatedly drawn criticism for its shock-value campaigns, including comparing animal farming to the Holocaust and slavery, using graphic imagery in public advertisements, and staging provocative demonstrations to generate media attention.
PETA has also faced scrutiny over its animal shelter euthanasia rates, with critics arguing the organization euthanizes a high percentage of the animals it takes in. PETA maintains that many of those animals are suffering, terminally ill, or otherwise unadoptable.
Not his first controversy this year
Garry has become no stranger to controversy outside the Octagon. Just two weeks ago, the Irish welterweight sparked widespread debate after claiming on the High Performance Podcast that the world would be “a better, simpler, and easier place” if women were in charge.
Garry credited his wife and manager, Layla Garry, as the biggest influence on his life and career, saying he trusts her judgment above anyone else’s.
The comments divided the MMA community and drew criticism from several fellow fighters, including Uroš Medić, who publicly pushed back by defending the role men have played throughout history.
Even Shavkat Rakhmonov took a shot
This is not the first time Garry’s diet has become a talking point. Before their meeting at UFC 310, undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov jokingly suggested eating meat was the better option, quipping that Garry’s veganism simply meant there was more meat left for everyone else.
Rakhmonov ultimately handed Garry the first loss of his professional career, although it came in a highly competitive fight that did little to damage the Irishman’s reputation.
The ultimate test comes against Makhachev Whether fans agree with his nutritional philosophy or not, Garry now has the perfect opportunity to prove it works.
On August 15, “The Future” challenges Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight championship in the biggest fight of his career. If Garry can dethrone one of the most dominant champions in MMA, the conversation surrounding his vegan lifestyle could look very different.