Vicente Luque reacted to Ian Garry skipping the UFC 296 media day.
On Saturday, December 16, Garry looks to extend his promotional record to 7-0 when he faces Luque on the UFC 296 main card. This will arguably be the Ireland-born fighter’s toughest test, as he’s carrying extra baggage heading into the T-Mobile Arena.
Over the past few months, Garry has been maliciously attacked on social media by the MMA community for several reasons. Whether it’s about his wife or gym etiquette, ‘The Future’ has quickly become one of the most controversial fighters on the planet.
Earlier today, the latest chapter of Garry’s story added a new wrinkle during the UFC 296 media day. The 26-year-old was supposed to answer questions first but ultimately didn’t show up for an unknown reason.
There was plenty of backlash for Garry’s decision, but his upcoming opponent, Luque, seemed to be the most supportive.
A response re: tomorrow’s #UFC296 press conference… https://t.co/0BOk31OS0H
— Andy Stevenson (@andyste123) December 13, 2023
Vicente Luque reacts to Ian Garry not showing up for the UFC 296 media day
Ian Garry recently released a statement about feeling his family was unsafe in Las Vegas due to the hatred he’s received. Therefore, some fans have assumed that the safety of his family is part of the reason he didn’t attend the UFC 296 media interview.
During Vicente Luque’s media day interview, the Brazilian was asked about his opponent allegedly not showing up, which wasn’t confirmed at the time. Luque responded by saying:
“I’m not really into all that is going on. I’ve just heard a little bit about stuff. I did hear that he’s concerned with his family and all that. So, if that is the reason, I have his back. I think the biggest thing we have is our family. Whenever somebody disrespects our family or crosses that line, I think it’s a big problem. I think it’s very unfortunate all that has gone on regarding him and his family. I think that’s something super disrespectful, and I understand. So, if he feels better like that, I think he has to do what he has to do.”
Luque continued:
“Obviously, we have these obligations. If he doesn’t come here, he’s also at a loss in a way because it’s media that he’s gonna lose. It’s an opportunity to share his side of the story and that he’s gonna lose. He is sacrificing something as well, but in order to have his family safe and everything. It’s his decision at the end of the day.”
For now, Vicente Luque vs. Ian Garry is scheduled to go down on Saturday. Garry plans to make a statement against his former training partner, but it’ll be easier said than done, as Luque has established an impressive resume, including his most recent win against Rafael dos Anjos in August.
Watch Vicente Luque react to Ian Garry not showing up to the UFC 296 media day below:
Vicente Luque reacts to Ian Garry potentially not showing up to the media day and press conference #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/RTsddP58O9
— Jake Foley🇺🇸🥋 (@JFoMMATalk) December 13, 2023
