UFC champion Leon Edwards reveals to Man United legend Rio Ferdinand why Ian Garry was kicked out of his gym – with the two MMA stars set to feature on the same night at UFC 296

UFC champion Leon Edwards clears the air and reveals why fellow welterweight Ian Machado Harry was kicked out of the gym.

Edwards, who defends his title at UFC 296 against Colby Covington, trained with Harry in Birmingham and could well fight him in the future given the 26-year-old’s rapid rise.

Last month, Machado Harry revealed that he had been kicked out of Edwards’ gym, Team Renegade. He claimed this was because Edwards and his coach felt threatened by him training there, but Team Renegade denied the accusation.

“Sometimes coaches allow fighters to come in from the outside, but that’s a privilege, not the norm. If the coaches feel it does not contribute to the team’s culture, the fighter is denied entry. Ian Garry’s more nomadic approach to training has given him great results, but it doesn’t match what we’re building at Team Renegade,” they said. independent.

IN Interview with TNT Sport joins Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand ‘Rocky’ to reveal why Machado Harry was kicked out of the gym.

UFC champion Leon Edwards explained why Ian Machado Harry was kicked out of the gym

Ian Harry (below) is no longer welcome at Leon Edwards’ Renegade Gym (above).

Edwards echoes Team Renegade’s official statement on the matter, saying: “(He was in the same division) wasn’t the reason; that’s why he said.

“The culture in the gym that we’re trying to create… Even though I’m a world champion, I still follow the same rules as amateurs. The difference with Ian was that when he came, he took his camera and his girlfriend (wife) with him. He was late for sessions.

“A lot of things happened, so the coaches and the team decided, ‘We wish you luck on your journey, but your culture doesn’t fit our culture.’ This is the third gym he has been kicked out of. There’s a reason why.

“Once one (person) starts sliding, you feel, ‘OK, if he can do it, I can do it.’ If he doesn’t clean the mats, then I won’t clean the mats.” In the end it destroys the team.”

As mentioned, Edwards is scheduled to face controversial welterweight contender Colby Covington at UFC 296.

“Rocky” is coming off an epic battle after defeating Kamaru Usman at UFC 286 in March.

The 32-year-old admits he is looking forward to silencing his doubters in Las Vegas against Chaos.

“Everyone talks (to be wary of) about his cardio and how he can keep the pace throughout the fight, but I think they judge that from the fights he’s fought tough guys like Robbie Lawler, Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley. It’s old in sports,” he said.

Leon Edwards repeats Team Renegade’s official statement on why Harry was kicked out

Edwards will face controversial welterweight star Colby Covington at UFC 296.

As for Machado Harry, the Irishman intends to fight Vicente Luque on the same card.

“I’m very happy to go out and shut him up. He’s a good communicator, so I’m going to go there, shut him up and continue my reign.”

As for Machado Harry, the No. 10 ranked welterweight contender will face Vicente Luque on the final card of the year in Las Vegas on December 16th.

A win would place him in the upper echelons of the division, where a title fight with Edwards would be a realistic possibility.