Ian Garry seeks next step in evolution in UFC 276 clash with Gabe Green 

The latest step in Ian Garry’s evolution takes place on the grand stage of International Fight Week in Las Vegas this weekend. 

Just four years after his professional debut, the Irishman will lap up the glamour and attention of Sin City while attempting to elevate his stock to another level. 

Gabe Green is his opponent at UFC 276 and if all goes to plan, the American will become Garry’s third victim in as many fights at the big show. 

Ian Garry has won his first two fights in the UFC and takes on Gabe Green this Saturday night

The 24-year-old Irishman is making waves at welterweight despite his inexperience 

Few young fighters have as much attention around them as the 24-year-old but his ability on the mic and slick striking skills inevitably inspired comparisons with Conor McGregor. 

A KO on debut at Madison Square Garden was followed by a decision win in April and Garry is treating his growth like a Top Trumps card, trying to raise every aspect to the top level. 

He told Sportsmail: ‘This is the career I chose, I chose this path and lifestyle. I’m excited to wake up everyday and do what I love. 

‘Any adversity I’ve met I’ve overcome and f*****g destroyed it. There have been a few challenges to overcome but we all have to go through that, not just as a UFC fighter but me as a man and everything I’m doing. 

Garry believes the experience of a massive card will help him be more composed now 

‘I’m learning from people I surround myself with, hugely important for my growth, constant growth.’

He added: ‘If I was a top trumps card, I want to get everything to 100 or everything is 99, 99, 99. Everything can always get better and that’s my mindset.’

And helpfully, Garry can compare himself to some of the best fighters in the world at Sanford MMA in Florida. 

He went on: ‘I want to get to a point where no matter where the fight goes, anything, I’m ready. Every fight has been more in that direction. I train with so many guys who are at the top. 

‘I train with Kamaru, Gilbert Burns, Vicente Luque, so many unbelievable guys, Logan Storey, Jason Jackson. 

‘I know how I match up with them all in the gym. I want to get to a point where I’m better at all of those guys in all areas, that’s the dream.’

Garry sees himself competing for the welterweight title in the next couple of years 

Green lost on his UFC debut but has since bounced back with two successive victories

‘Obviously I’m undefeated with a lot of hype but I don’t feel any need to rush. There’s so much I want to do in life, I don’t need to rush and be vulnerable because I’m trying to move too fast. 

‘When I’m ready to take over, not to say I couldn’t go in and smoke them now, but I’ll be better in two years against the likes of Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.’

For all his athletic ability and striking prowess, Garry remains green in some aspects and left with a bitter taste in his mouth despite beating Darian Weeks in April. 

‘I was a bit dissatisfied with my last fight,’ he said. ‘I didn’t leave with that feeling of joy even though I won, partly because of my opponent’s energy, he kind of parked the bus.

‘I didn’t feel like I was in a fight. I came out wanting to fight again super soon.’

He has been granted his wish and another impressive win on Saturday will see those Top Trumps numbers creep up ever higher.  

It will be fascinating to see how Garry has improved since his last appearance