5 best UFC debuts of 2021

#4. Ian Garry (against Jordan Williams at UFC 268)

Ian Garry made his UFC debut at UFC 268: Usman vs. Covington 2 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The undefeated prospect came into the promotion with a lot of hype behind him. He was touted as one of the best welterweights to emerge out of the leading MMA promotion in the United Kingdom, Cage Warriors.

The 24-year-old Irishman took on Jordan Williams in his UFC debut and knocked the American out cold in the first round, one second before the bell. In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Garry referenced his compatriot, Conor McGregor, saying:

“Joe, a wise Irish man once said before me, he stepped in this very cage and he said, ‘We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over.’ And this is the takeover part 2.”

Watch Garry’s full post-fight interview with Joe Rogan below:

‘The Future’ is an incredibly promising addition to the already-stacked UFC welterweight division. Garry has even opted to move to the United States for his training camps. In preparation for his bout with Williams, he trained at Sanford MMA, home to the likes of Michael Chandler, Derek Brunson and Gilbert Burns.

Many have drawn comparisons between Ian Garry and Conor McGregor. The combination that Garry used to knock Williams out was a slick counter-cross, a strike that McGregor himself has mastered.

‘The Notorious’ even gave a shoutout to his countryman on Twitter leading up to the fight, saying:

"Good luck to Ireland’s Ian Garry making his UFC debut tonight at MSG! Enjoy it all my man, the stuff dreams are made of! A solid young Irish fighter to keep an eye on Let’s go @iangarryMMA!"

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#3. Paddy Pimblett (against Luigi Vendramini at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Till)

Paddy Pimblett was already one of the most popular fighters in England before he moved to the UFC. The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion had turned down the UFC twice before in his career, revealing that he ‘wasn’t ready’ to move to the premier MMA organization in the world at such a young age.

The 26-year-old from Liverpool finally signed with the UFC in 2021 and took on Luigi Vendramini at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Till in his promotional debut. Pimblett, despite being caught multiple times early on, finished Vendramini in the first round with a sensational knockout. ‘The Baddy’ secured a Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts.

Pimblett, with his funky hairstyle and outspoken nature, is an incredibly marketable fighter. Having already headlined shows and sold-out venues in England, the UFC is certainly aware that they have a new star on their hands.

He refused to make a call-out following his win over Vendramini. Rather, in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, the Englishman said:

“I’m here to take over lad. I’m the new cash-cow, the new main man on the UFC roster. I best be in the game next week lad, that simple. Know what I mean? I’m the new man lad. People are going to be calling me out now. You know who the boy is!”

Watch Pimblett’s full post-fight interview below: