UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns has been suitably impressed with Ian Garry’s skills since the Irishman’s arrival at Sanford MMA, and said he has the ability to go all the way to the top of the sport.

Both men have been preparing together at the South Florida gym ahead of their respective bouts at UFC 273, with Garry bringing additional energy, a strong sense of humour, and more than a little trash talk to the mats at Sanford MMA. But Burns said the Irishman’s energy has been a welcome addition to the team.

“He’s very impressive, a very good guy, very funny,” Burns told Fighters Only.

“He’s the guy that talks crap all the time and is always being very funny.”

Despite Garry’s larger-than-life personality, Burns said the former Cage Warriors champion brings a prodigious skillset to the table, and he has already impressed him with his progress since joining the team.

“He’s a very good striker, a pure striker, very good stand-up, and getting better,” he said.

“He’s very good in his wrestling and then his jiu-jitsu is getting a lot better, with daily improvement.”

Despite being just one fight into his UFC career, Garry isn’t shy of stating his ambition to go all the way to the top of the sport, and Burns shares his new teammate’s optimism for the future. He even stated his belief that “The Future” could capture championship gold in the years ahead.

“He’s very young – if I’m not wrong he’s 24 years old – and he’s undefeated. I think 8-0, and 1-0 in the UFC and going into his second fight,” he said.

“I think Ian Garry can be a future champion. The guy works very hard. Very good striking and on a good team right now. Yeah, I think the sky’s the limit for this guy right now.”

Gilbert Burns is a brand ambassador for Love Hemp.

Photo Credit: Dolly Clew / Cage Warriors