There has been drama surrounding Ian Machado Garry being kicked out of Leon Edwards’ gym ahead of UFC 296. While Garry claimed it was due to insecurities and doubts, Edwards suggests it was more about Garry not fitting into the gym environment. Edwards emphasizes that there was no bad blood and that Garry has been kicked out of more gyms than his. Edwards believes Garry blew the situation out of proportion, likely because of the attention he gets as the UFC welterweight champion.
Edwards acknowledges Paddy Pimblett’s claim that Garry had already been knocked out by Edwards during their training together. While Edwards agrees with the unwritten rule that what happens in the gym stays in the gym, he clarifies that he didn’t knock Garry out clean, but Garry did get a taste of the Kamaru Usman head kick.
Regarding potential title contenders in the welterweight division, Edwards is unsure if anyone has clearly defined themselves as the true No. 1 contender. He mentions Belal Muhammad but questions if he is the No. 1 contender. Edwards expresses a desire for someone to stand out after his fight at UFC 296 so that the next title defense can be booked. If the UFC names Muhammad as the next challenger, Edwards states that he has no problem accepting that challenge and confidently states, “That’s easy work. That’s easy money.”