TLDR
- Ian Machado Garry signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency for marketing and commercial representation
- Garry becomes the second UFC fighter to join Matchroom after heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall
- The deal covers only commercial interests, while Vayner Sports continues handling fight negotiations
- Garry fights Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15
- Hearn’s involvement in MMA has created tension with UFC CEO Dana White due to competing boxing promotions
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmajunkie.usatoday.com
Ian Machado Garry announced Wednesday that he has signed with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency ahead of his upcoming UFC welterweight title fight. The Irish fighter will face Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15.
Garry becomes the second UFC fighter to join Matchroom Talent Agency, following heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. “Congratulations Matchroom Talent Agency you’ve signed the future,” Garry wrote on Instagram.
Hearn explained his decision to sign the welterweight contender during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “I look at this guy for a long time, and I love his spirit,” Hearn said. “I love his personality. He’s a good looking, tall guy who speaks incredibly well.”
The boxing promoter said he reached out to Garry rather than waiting for an approach. Hearn praised the fighter’s potential to become a major star in combat sports.
🚨 WOW: Eddie Hearn has now signed Ian Garry to his Matchroom talent agency, he now has the following UFC fighters:
▫️ Tom Aspinall
▫️ Ian Garry👀 pic.twitter.com/fK6Hu1kG2L
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) June 24, 2026
Different Deal Than Aspinall’s
Garry’s agreement with Matchroom differs from Aspinall’s arrangement in important ways. The deal covers only marketing and commercial interests, not fight negotiations or contract talks with the UFC.
Vayner Sports will continue to handle Garry’s management duties. This means Vayner will still negotiate his UFC contracts and fight deals while Matchroom focuses on building his brand outside the octagon.
“With Ian, this is commercially,” Hearn explained. “This is about building his brand and driving revenue to him with partners. This is purely to work on his profile and his commercial brand.”
Hearn’s involvement in MMA has created tension with UFC CEO Dana White. The two former friends have become rivals after White launched Zuffa Boxing in early 2026, competing directly with Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
White has criticized Aspinall’s decision to sign with Hearn. The British heavyweight champion signed with Matchroom while recovering from an eye poke injury in his fight against Ciryl Gane that required four surgeries.
Title Fight Looms in August
Garry will compete for the welterweight championship for the first time when he meets Makhachev in August. The fight takes place in Philadelphia as the UFC 330 main event on Paramount+.
Hearn expressed confidence in Garry’s star potential and marketability. “I just felt this was the guy that we wanted to bring to the team,” he said.
The agency owner highlighted Garry’s attributes as a fighter and personality. Hearn believes the Irish welterweight has what it takes to become a global superstar in combat sports.
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Matchroom Talent Agency represents high-profile athletes across multiple sports and entertainment. The agency is expanding beyond Hearn’s traditional boxing business into other areas.
Garry announced the partnership on social media Wednesday. “I’m excited to announce Team Future just got bigger,” he wrote. “Alongside Vayner Sports, I’ll be joining The Matchroom Talent Agency – who will now work across my commercial interests.”
The welterweight contender fights for his first UFC title on August 15, 2026.
