Why Did Ian Garry pull out of UFC 296?

Ian Garry's Health Issues
Ian Garry, the UFC welterweight, had to withdraw from his scheduled bout against Vicente Luque at UFC 296 due to contracting pneumonia. His absence from the media day initially sparked speculation, particularly in light of his earlier concerns about the safety of his family following a contentious exchange with UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. Garry's withdrawal was confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White, who stated that Garry started with the flu that turned into pneumonia, leading to the cancellation of the fight.
Personal Life and Public Criticism
Garry has been under intense scrutiny due to details of his personal life being made public, including his relationship with his wife, Layla, who is 14 years older than him. His wife's book titled "How to be a WAG" resurfaced, leading to criticism and taunts from fans and fellow fighters. This public trolling and criticism may have added to the stress Garry was facing leading up to the bout.
Garry's Response
In a statement to Ariel Helwani, Garry expressed his frustration over the illness, stating that he had pneumonia and that the UFC doctor made the call that there was no chance he could fight. He further emphasized his love for fighting and his disappointment at not being able to compete due to the illness. Garry's comments suggest that his health issues were genuine and not a result of external pressure.
Reactions from Fans and Fighters
Following Garry's withdrawal, fans and fighters reacted with a variety of responses. Some speculated about the reasons for his withdrawal, while others expressed disappointment and offered well-wishes for his recovery. There were also remarks from fans and fighters regarding Garry's personal life, indicating the level of public interest and scrutiny surrounding him.
Luque's Response
Vicente Luque, Garry's opponent, responded to the cancellation with understanding and empathy, expressing his wishes for Garry's recovery and acknowledging the unfortunate situation. This demonstrates the sportsmanship and professionalism displayed by Luque in light of the unexpected cancelation.
Potential Replacements
Despite Garry's withdrawal, the UFC has not disclosed which undercard fight will step into the main card slot originally slated for Garry vs. Luque. Additionally, veteran fighter Kevin Holland expressed his willingness to step in as a replacement, but the UFC has yet to announce another opponent for Luque.
Ian Garry's withdrawal from UFC 296 was primarily due to his battle with pneumonia. The additional public scrutiny and criticism surrounding his personal life may have contributed to the stress he was facing leading up to the fight. Vicente Luque's understanding response and the potential for a replacement opponent demonstrate the dynamics of the MMA world when unexpected circumstances arise.
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