Amidst the triumph at UFC 298, Ian Garry and Layla Anna-Lee faced intense scrutiny on social media, underscoring the importance of empathy and understanding within the sports and public sphere.
Garry’s spouse encountered unjust criticism from MMA fans, and their difficulties persisted in late 2023. Anna-Lee, who is 14 years older than Garry, became the target of criticism from fighters and fans. Additionally, a satirical book written by Anna-Lee in the past resurfaced, further intensifying the negativity towards her. The animosity towards Garry was evident even after his victory at UFC 298.
The criticism from fans extended beyond the Honda Center. Layla Anna-Lee faced trolling on social media after posting a video on Instagram prior to the fight. The video depicted Garry, Anna-Lee, and his corner engaging in a group prayer, during which Garry allegedly shed tears. However, some fans found fault with Anna-Lee’s body language in the video. Despite this, many others recognized the unfairness of criticizing Anna-Lee, leading to a shift in sentiment.
Fans and fighters alike have scrutinized various aspects of Garry’s marriage to Anna-Lee. Garry’s decision to change his surname to Machado-Garry stemmed from his desire for his stepson and biological son to share a common name. Furthermore, his stepson’s father, who is also his nutritionist, led to allegations that Cullen lived with the Garrys.
The online backlash against Garry reached its peak before his scheduled bout at UFC 296, but he had to withdraw due to illness. This further fueled criticism from fans and fighters. However, Garry made a triumphant return to the octagon at UFC 298, defeating Geoff Neal. During his training for UFC 298, Garry joined Chute Box in Brazil, where he was embraced as one of their own.
Anna-Lee, Ian Garry’s wife, shared a pre-fight video for UFC 298, which received mixed reactions from fight fans. Predictably, perpetual haters targeted Ian Garry’s wife, preconceiving negative notions about her. Conversely, others empathized with Layla Anna-Lee and believed that she was unfairly criticized.
Below are some examples of how fight fans reacted to the video:
– “This is genuinely a beautiful moment. You people have worms in your brain.”
– “How Ireland feels about Layla.”
– “She is such a good person. The gold standard for all wives. It’s hard to impress me, but I am impressed. #IWishSheWasMine.”
– “She’s kinda weird, idk, I sense evil coming from her.”
– “No wonder Ian Garry turned off his comments. You people are extremely f*ckin weird.”
– “Ian Garry and his wife simply existing is to certain MMA fans what a compliment is to Jamahal Hill. Give it a rest here folks, this absolutely insane behavior.”
– “Ian Garry is living every MMA incels dream of bagging a girl several weight classes out of his league, and they can’t stand him for it. Predictably lame.”
– “If you like dudes, just say that. This subgroup of MMA fans that hates women for simply existing is f*cking exhausting. Get a better hobby.”
– “Ian Garry is elite… but his success will be overlooked because of the cuck accusations. Unfortunate.”
– “I couldn’t give a f*ck about any of this Ian Garry Wife stuff. But this is just 100% pure lies. 1. He’s not crying, he is praying before the fight. 2. She never looked at the camera to see if it was still rolling. I’m not surprised, the internet is just full of people lying…”
– “Is she the Taylor Swift of UFC? Yes, she’s pretty, yes, she’s supportive, but something about her…”
– “Y’all are mentally ill. Jesus CHRIST.”
– “Wait f*ck allat. Didn’t this nigga Drod get a full face of cuck shin from Ian Garry?”
– “Every man on here that’s dealt with a devil like this knows exactly what she is doing.”
Throughout the criticism, Ian Garry remained steadfast in supporting his wife and her actions. Likewise, his wife stood by him. Garry has vowed to make fighters pay for their derogatory remarks about his wife and has called for a fight with a specific opponent. Another name on his list is also mentioned.
According to the Source firstsportz.com