How vegan diet changed course of Machado Garry's career
Ian Machado Garry explains how switching to a plant-based diet helped him earn a welterweight title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on 15 August.
Ian Machado Garry, a UFC fighter, credits his vegan diet for transforming his career trajectory. Before adopting a plant-based diet five years ago, Garry faced challenges with his physical health, particularly during weight cutting for fights, which led to frequent infections and illnesses. This prompted him to switch to a vegan lifestyle, which has since become a pivotal factor in his success.
Having won nine of his last ten fights, Garry now stands poised to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title at UFC 330 in Philadelphia on August 15. Garry emphasizes that his vegan diet has significantly improved his recovery, rest, and overall performance, enabling him to take on short-notice fights against formidable opponents like Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov.
While he acknowledges the discipline required to maintain a plant-based diet, Garry believes that the benefits it offers are worth the effort, especially considering its positive impacts on animal welfare and the environment. If successful, Garry would become the first Irish UFC champion since Conor McGregor and surpass Makhachev's record of 16 consecutive victories.
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