Ian Garry Machado Why Does The Ufc Fighter Use His Middle Name

When fans tune into a UFC broadcast and see “Ian Machado Garry” displayed next to his record, many are left wondering: Why is he listed as Machado instead of Garry? It’s not a typo. In fact, the Irish welterweight intentionally uses his middle name—Machado—as his public fighting moniker. This choice may seem unusual at first glance, but it reflects deeper personal, cultural, and strategic considerations common in combat sports.

Unlike most athletes who compete under their first or last names, Ian Machado Garry has chosen to emphasize the “Machado” portion of his full name. The decision goes beyond preference—it ties into heritage, identity, and even marketing. To understand why, we need to explore his background, the significance of the Machado name in martial arts, and how branding influences fighters’ public personas.

The Origin of the Name: A Family Legacy

Ian Garry was born in Dublin, Ireland, to an Irish mother and a Brazilian father. His full legal name is Ian Garry Machado, with \"Garry\" being his first name and \"Machado\" his paternal surname. In many Western cultures, surnames are typically inherited paternally and appear last. However, in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, naming conventions often include both parents' surnames, and order can vary.

In Ian’s case, “Machado” carries significant weight—not just as a family name, but as a legendary one in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The Machado family, originally from Rio de Janeiro, are among the most respected BJJ lineages outside the Gracie family. Five brothers—Carlos, Roger, Jean-Jacques, John, and Rigan Machado—moved to the United States in the 1980s and helped popularize BJJ in North America, training champions and celebrities alike.

“Using ‘Machado’ isn’t just about name recognition—it’s about honoring where I come from and the legacy I’m building upon.” — Ian Machado Garry, in a 2023 interview with MMA Fighting

Though Ian is not directly related to the famous BJJ Machados, his father adopted the name through mentorship and affiliation within the BJJ community. In martial arts circles, taking on a master’s surname is not uncommon, especially when deep bonds of respect and lineage are formed. Thus, “Machado” represents more than ancestry—it symbolizes training roots and philosophical alignment with a storied grappling tradition.

Cultural Identity and Naming Conventions

In Ireland, where Ian was raised, it's standard for individuals to go by their first name followed by a single family surname. But in multicultural families—especially those with Latin American ties—the structure can be more fluid. By choosing to place “Machado” front and center, Ian bridges two worlds: his Irish upbringing and his Brazilian martial heritage.

This dual identity plays out in his fighting style as well. Known for slick striking and strong grappling fundamentals, Ian blends the aggressive stand-up game typical of European fighters with the technical groundwork rooted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His name, therefore, acts as a symbolic representation of that hybrid approach—one foot in Dublin gyms, the other in Rio-style academies.

Tip: In international sports, names often reflect more than legal documents—they carry emotional, cultural, and professional meaning.

Branding and Marketability in the UFC

The UFC is as much a business of entertainment as it is of sport. Fighters are encouraged to build personal brands that resonate with global audiences. Unique, memorable names stand out on fight cards, promotional materials, and social media platforms.

“Ian Garry” is a solid name—but “Ian Machado Garry” adds depth, intrigue, and instant association with elite grappling. For fans familiar with BJJ, hearing “Machado” triggers recognition. It suggests credibility, lineage, and technical prowess. From a marketing standpoint, using “Machado” gives Ian immediate gravitas before he even steps into the Octagon.

Other fighters have similarly leveraged parts of their names for branding:

Fighter	Legal Name	Fighting Name	Reason
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza	Ronaldo Souza	Jacare	Nickname meaning \"alligator,\" used for marketability
Daniel Cormier	Daniel Cormier	DC	Shortened brand for social media and apparel
Ian Machado Garry	Ian Garry Machado	Machado	Highlights BJJ heritage and uniqueness
Amanda Lemos	Amanda Lemos	Lemos	Uses maternal surname for distinction

By adopting “Machado,” Ian positions himself within a narrative that fans love: the prodigy carrying forward a legendary name. Whether accurate by bloodline or not, the perception matters—and in the UFC, perception shapes popularity.

Legal vs. Public Identity: What’s on Paper vs. in the Octagon

Legally, Ian remains Ian Garry Machado. Official records, contracts, and athletic commission filings list his full name. However, public-facing usage—on fight gear, commentary callouts, and promotional videos—consistently features “Machado.”

This split between legal and professional identity is common in sports and entertainment. Think of musicians like “Sting” or “Beyoncé,” or wrestlers like “The Rock” (Dwayne Johnson). The stage name serves a different purpose than the government ID.

For Ian, using “Machado” doesn’t erase his Irish roots; it complements them. He still reps Ireland proudly, walking out to Irish music and speaking fondly of his hometown. But in a sport where every advantage counts—even psychological ones—carrying a name synonymous with grappling excellence provides subtle leverage.

Mini Case Study: The Power of a Name in Fight Week

Before his bout against Gabriel Bonfim at UFC 295, commentators repeatedly referenced Ian’s “Machado connection” during pre-fight analysis. Though Ian clarified he wasn’t biologically related to the BJJ icons, the mere mention influenced audience expectations. Fans anticipated slick submissions, even though Ian primarily identifies as a striker.

Opponent Bonfim, known for strong takedown defense, later admitted in a post-fight interview: “I was extra cautious on the ground because of the name. You hear ‘Machado’ and you think black belt genius.”

This illustrates how a name can shape opponent psychology—a subtle but real competitive edge.

Expert Insight: The Psychology Behind Fighter Names

“In combat sports, names are weapons. They set tone, create aura, and influence how fighters are perceived before they throw a punch. Choosing to highlight ‘Machado’ was a smart, multifaceted move—it honors heritage, builds mystique, and signals technical legitimacy.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Sports Sociologist & MMA Analyst

Torres notes that younger fighters increasingly treat their identities as holistic brands. Name selection, nickname adoption, and even walkout music are part of a larger strategy to stand out in a crowded division. With over 500 fighters across multiple weight classes, differentiation is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ian Machado Garry related to the famous Machado brothers of BJJ?

No, Ian is not biologically related to the renowned Machado brothers (Carlos, Roger, Rigan, etc.). However, his father trained within circles connected to the Machado academy network, which led to the adoption of the name as a sign of respect and affiliation.

Why doesn’t he just go by ‘Ian Garry’?

While “Ian Garry” is simpler, “Machado” adds cultural depth, martial credibility, and branding power. It distinguishes him in a competitive roster and honors his paternal heritage and BJJ background.

Do other UFC fighters use middle names or non-first surnames?

Yes. Examples include Julianna Peña (who uses her maiden name professionally), Alexander Gustafsson (uses paternal surname despite Swedish naming norms), and several fighters who adopt nicknames or ancestral surnames for identity or marketing reasons.

Actionable Checklist: Building a Fighter’s Identity

• ✅ Assess your cultural and martial lineage—can it inform your public persona?
• ✅ Consider how your name sounds in commentary and on fight posters.
• ✅ Consult with coaches and managers on name consistency across promotions.
• ✅ Use your name to tell a story—heritage, struggle, discipline, or ambition.
• ✅ Ensure legal names are correctly filed with athletic commissions, regardless of public branding.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Name

The reason Ian Garry uses “Machado” isn’t rooted in confusion or error—it’s a deliberate fusion of identity, respect, and strategy. It honors his father’s journey, nods to a revered martial arts dynasty, and strengthens his position in a branding-driven sport. In an arena where every detail matters, from walkout timing to glove color, a name is far more than administrative data. It’s a statement.

Whether you’re a fighter building your own brand or a fan seeking deeper understanding of the sport, recognizing the significance behind names like “Machado” enriches the experience. It reminds us that beneath the strikes and submissions are stories of heritage, pride, and purpose.

🚀 What do you think makes a great fighter name? Share your thoughts or tag a rising athlete who’s nailed their identity—because in the UFC, even a name can become a legacy.