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Jurgen Klopp winced as he found out Manchester United were thrashed at home by Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Erik ten Hag’s team delivered another dismal display in front of their supporters at Old Trafford, falling to a 3-0 defeat. Liverpool fared better on Wednesday night (1 November), beating Bournemouth 2-1 away from home to book their place in the quarter-finals of the cup competition. In his post-match press conference, Klopp heard news of United’s defeat and his reaction summed up how many supporters will be feeling. “Ooooh, okay,” he said, wincing in front of reporters. Read More Jimmy Sains on fights at school, ‘needle’ in the amateurs, and the debut ‘buzz’ David Beckham pays tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton at Ballon D’Or ceremony Moment Lionel Messi announced as 2023 Ballon D’Or

Shares in Asia primed for a rally following gains in US stocks and bonds as the Federal Reserve

By the time Declan Rice eventually took to the pitch on his return to West Ham, his rescue mission had begun to look like an impossible task. The smattering of boos that greeted the return of only the third West Ham captain in history to lift a major honour were quickly drowned out by a rapturous roar. Rice had only been on for a matter of moments when Jarrod Bowen’s deflected strike cannoned in off Aaron Ramsdale and with it, Rice’s old club led his new club by three goals. By the end, Arsenal crashed out of the Carabao Cup with barely a whimper. This was not a happy homecoming for Rice – it was a terrible night for Arsenal, a difficult evening for Ramsdale, and a regretful one for Mikel Arteta, whose side were second-best throughout. Rice’s introduction off the bench came too late, as did the arrivals of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, who fired a consolation goal that was barely even acknowledged in the 95th minute. Arsenal took this fourth-round tie lightly and were punished: West Ham and David Moyes pulled off their plan and played the occasion well. They thoroughly deserved their place in the quarter-finals. After Rice helped inspire West Ham to the Europa Conference League last season, delivering a fitting send-off on his final appearance for the club, it could be that the Hammers win another trophy before he does. Rice, of course, has bigger goals than the Carabao Cup, but it could be that the competition serves as the perfect way for West Ham to build on last season’s success. Bowen and Lucas Paqueta were excellent, but the game’s outstanding moment came with Mohammed Kudus’s stunning second for the hosts. West Ham have invested the Rice money wisely. Arsenal, though, had their lack of depth exposed. Arteta’s side looked flat from the start and the concession of a cheap corner invited West Ham to roll numbers forward and into the box. While Tomas Soucek grappled with Ramsdale on the goalline, Bowen aimed towards the front post with plenty of pace and whip. There was no West Ham player in sight but Arsenal got themselves into a mess: with Ramsdale pushing past Soucek and crashing the back of Gabriel, Ben White, caught behind Kai Havertz, positioned in the wrong place, bundled into the net with his newly bleached blonde head. The blame from an Arsenal perspective deserved to be shared around, yet the focus naturally fell on Ramsdale. The England international had his shirt pulled and felt he was fouled, if VAR was used in the Carabao Cup fourth round then it may have been overturned. Yet his appeals towards referee Anthony Taylor were in vain and an important night for the goalkeeper was off to a difficult start. Perhaps Ramsdale, clearly Arsenal’s No 2 now despite Arteta’s curious claim that he would be rotated with David Raya, felt under more pressure than he usually would have been before he was dropped. There was certainly a sense of unease and panic in Arsenal’s defence. Ramsdale and Gabriel invited pressure as Arsenal struggled to play out, which played into West Ham’s hands. The hosts were up for it, Bowen raising the crowd with a challenge deep in Arsenal’s half, West Ham then forcing another corner with their subsequent press. Ramsdale was again targeted by Soucek and although West Ham finished the half without having a shot on target, registering just over 32 per cent of the possession, it felt as if Moyes’s side carried the greater threat on the counter-attack. Arsenal were slow and ponderous, and it was no surprise to see Rice was summoned to begin his warm-up midway through the first half, greeted by a warm, rippling standing ovation from much of the London Stadium. After making changes, Arteta left himself with the security of a high-quality bench and it quickly became clear that Rice, Saka, Odegaard and Martinelli would be needed. Despite their possession, Havertz’s flicked header that forced an instinctive save from Lukasz Fabianski was the closest the visitors came. But half-time came and went without any changes and Arsenal were almost punished within seconds of the restart. Paqueta slipped in Bowen with a reverse pass and Ramsdale was required to stretch his arms to deny the forward’s clever chip. White, this time, cleared the danger as he beat Kudus to the rebound. Still Rice warmed up, the intensity of his sprints on the touchline quickening, and it was just at the moment of the West Ham supporters bantering with their former captain that he “should have signed for a big club” that the Hammers doubled their lead. Although not on the pitch, perhaps Rice could have been credited with the assist: it was with some of the record £105m that West Ham received for Rice this summer that led to the Hammers signing a player of the calibre of Kudus from Ajax. If Kudus has sparkled so far for West Ham with a couple of eye-catching goals and contributions, this was the 23-year-old’s most impressive yet. Controlling a high, diagonal pass, Kudus skilfully directed his touch to cut inside Zinchenko. Then, with the yard of space he had created, Kudus fired a zipping strike through the legs of Gabriel. Arteta could not wait any longer: on came Rice to more than a few boos, soon followed by Saka and Martinelli, and then Odegaard. But by then it was too late: another White header caused chaos for Arsenal, only this time it set up Bowen on the edge of the box. Bowen’s strike took a slight deflection off Jakub Kiwior, which left a rather awkward-looking Ramsdale only able to parry the volley into his own net. Rice seemed to struggle on his return, with passes overhit to cheers from the home fans. It was only with the introduction of Odegaard that Arsenal began to look more like themselves, but when the captain fired a low finish past Fabianski in the 95th minute, there was barely anyone left in the away end to applaud it. Read More Declan Rice booed by West Ham fans on return to London Stadium Carabao Cup draw: Liverpool, Newcastle and more discover fate Why Declan Rice returns to West Ham as Arsenal’s ‘Van Dijk’ signing West Ham vs Arsenal LIVE: Carabao Cup result, final score and reaction Everton end emotional week with win at West Ham thanks to Calvert-Lewin goal West Ham vs Everton LIVE: Latest Premier League updates

The quarter-final draw for the Carabao Cup takes place this evening at the conclusion of the remaining fourth round matches. West Ham have knocked out Arsenal as Declan Rice’s return to the London Stadium ended in a 3-1 defeat. Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton and Fulham then joined the Hammers in the last eight. League One’s Port Vale were the first team to reach the last eight of the League Cup, for the first time in their history, after defeating Mansfield Town on Tuesday evening, while an 83rd-minute penalty earned Middlesbrough a 3-2 victory away at Exeter. The draw will take place following the conclusion of Manchester United’s match against Newcastle tonight which is a repeat of last year’s final. Eddie Howe’s men knocked out Manchester City in the third round and will want to triumph over another Manchester team as they target the latter stages. Follow our live blog below for the lastest updates from the Carabao Cup and to see who will face who in the quarter-finals of the League Cup:

Declan Rice was booed by some sections of the West Ham supporters as the England international made his first return to the London Stadium since his £105m move to Arsenal this summer. Rice, who led West Ham to their first European trophy in 48 years when the Hammers lifted the Europa Conference League last season, became the most expensive English player of all time when he joined Mikel Arteta’s side. The 24-year-old was brought on as a second-half substitute at the London Stadium and with his new side 2-0 down, following an own goal from Ben White and a stunning second from Mohammed Kudus. While Rice was warmly applauded as he warmed up on the touchline, the response was rather more mixed as he replaced Jorginho on the 55th minute mark. There were loud boos within sections of the crowd as Rice took to the field. West Ham manager David Moyes had said he hoped Rice would be “welcomed back with open arms” when speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup fourth-round tie. “You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years,” said Moyes. “He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. “He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player. “The most important thing was that he gave 100 per cent in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. So all credit to him. He conducted himself brilliantly well and for that alone he deserves to be cheered. “I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.” Arteta also said he thought Rice would receive a warm reception: "I would say so and I hope so,” Arteta said. “Especially because every time you hear him talk about West Ham and what they did for him and everybody at the club, he cannot speak any more highly. Hopefully, it will be the same way towards him. “It would be his first time back there at his old club and a beautiful moment for him. I think it’s beautiful, I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at that club. "It’s really good way to measure your experience and the reality of your reality with the people who shared those moments with you." Read More David Moyes: Declan Rice should be welcomed back at London Stadium with open arms Why Declan Rice returns to West Ham as Arsenal’s ‘Van Dijk’ signing Mikel Arteta pinpoints moment Arsenal made ‘phenomenal’ response at Chelsea Arsenal stun Chelsea to claim point amid chaos from goalkeeper howlers Declan Rice reveals how Rugby World Cup has helped England’s ‘mentality’ West Ham vs Arsenal LIVE: Latest Carabao Cup fourth round updates

Manchester United will hope to quickly sweep aside the disappointment of losing the Manchester derby by knocking Newcastle out of the Carabao Cup when the teams meet, in a repeat of the 2022 final, at Old Trafford tonight. Erik ten Hag’s men were soundly beaten 3-0 by Manchester City on Sunday putting an end to their fortuitous run of victories. United have been unconvincing of late, despite three wins from their last four games, and desperately need their forward line to kick into gear and deliver some goals. The League Cup is usually an opportunity to rest and rotate players but Ten Hag, who will want to regain the trophy his team won last season, may decide to name a strong team in the hopes his players will discover some form. Newcastle, in contrast, are playing rather well. A 1-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League is their only defeat in 10 games and they eliminated Man City from this competition in the previous round. However, Eddie Howe‘s options for tonight’s clash are limited due to injuries and he will no doubt want to add the red side of Manchester to his list of defeat opponents this season. Follow all the action from Old Trafford below plus get the latest odds and tips right here: Read More What time is the Carabao Cup draw? Date, time and how to watch Carabao Cup extra time rules: What happens if fourth-round matches end in a draw? The eight-month gap that sums up Manchester United’s alarming decline

Follow live coverage as Ipswich Town face Fulham in the EFL cup. Manchester United won this competition last season - known as the Carabao Cup since 2017 - but it remains Liverpool who have the most triumphs in history, with nine to their name, one ahead of Man City. While all 72 clubs from the football league enter from the first round, Premier League teams enter at the second or third round stage, the latter for clubs competing in Europe this season. The final will be held at Wembley on 25 February, 2024, marking the first chance for both a trophy and a place in next season’s Uefa competitions. Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

Follow live coverage as AFC Bournemouth face Liverpool in the EFL cup. Manchester United won this competition last season - known as the Carabao Cup since 2017 - but it remains Liverpool who have the most triumphs in history, with nine to their name, one ahead of Man City. While all 72 clubs from the football league enter from the first round, Premier League teams enter at the second or third round stage, the latter for clubs competing in Europe this season. The final will be held at Wembley on 25 February, 2024, marking the first chance for both a trophy and a place in next season’s Uefa competitions. Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.

West Ham host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup fourth round tonight as the two Premier League sides attempt to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition and Declan Rice returns to the London Stadium. Despite their Premier League opposition, Hammers boss David Moyes is expected to make sweeping changes to his team as he tries to halt a serious downturn in form. West Ham have gone four matches without a win and their most recent result, a 1-0 loss to Everton in the league, did not sit well with the fans. Their displeasure will evaporate overnight though should the Irons defeat Arsenal at the London Stadium. That won’t be an easy task though. Rotation is likely for Mikel Arteta’s side too as they must prepare for a tough league clash with Newcastle this weekend. That said, the Gunners are unbeaten in four games and put five goals past Sheffield United last time out, with Eddie Nketiah netting his first league hat-trick for the club, meaning they are in top form. With Manchester City already out of the league cup, this will be a competition Arteta will have his sights set on winning. Follow along for all the action from the London Stadium plus get the latest odds and tips right here: Read More What time is the Carabao Cup draw? Date, time and how to watch Carabao Cup extra time rules: What happens if fourth-round matches end in a draw? Why Declan Rice returns to West Ham as Arsenal’s ‘Van Dijk’ signing

After Australia confirmed they would not bid for the 2034 World Cup to leave Saudi Arabia as the sole candidate, a number of “concerned” football officials said they would wait to publicly speak until the bid process became clearer. Then, a few hours later, Fifa president Gianni Infantino appeared to confirm it all on his Instagram account. “The next two editions of the Fifa World Cup are set to be hosted in Africa (Morocco) and Europe (Portugal and Spain) – with three celebratory matches played in South America (Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) – in 2030 and in Asia (Saudi Arabia) in 2034.” It was seen as an interesting way to announce what is one of football’s major decisions. So much for going to the member associations for ratification, for a confirmation that was scheduled to come in the fourth quarter of 2024... A decision that very few in football seem to actually want has involved very little discussion at all, at least in public. Like the 2030 World Cup that paved the way for it, it has almost been imposed on the game. That is despite the reality that Saudi Arabia 2034 will involve most of the same discussions as Qatar, but on a completely different scale. The bidding terms were already altered so the kingdom only needed to have four of the 14 required 40,000-seater stadiums, but that means 10 new arenas have to be built. That will involve the same migrant labour system that was such a core criticism of Qatar, but without yet any of the reforms. Saudi Arabia meanwhile has a far more criticised human rights record than its smaller neighbour with far graver issues like capital punishment now coming to the fore. That is because the kingdom is way behind Qatar in terms of progressive reforms, which will foster a much more difficult conversation about women’s rights and who actually feels comfortable attending the World Cup. But corruption? The accusations of bribery that shrouded how the 2022 World Cup was won? There’s no need to get into any of that because it’s all been so smooth, which of course brings us to the modern Fifa, as well as the very governance of football in the 21st century. While Sepp Blatter was actively against Qatar getting the World Cup in 2022, it is pretty clear that Infantino looked on this favourably. It has come as part of strengthening the relationship with the kingdom and Mohammed bin Salman, amid an alignment of ambitions. The crown prince has sought to make the sport a core of his Vision 2030 reform, in part for its immense global popularity, in part for his country’s genuinely vivacious football culture. Infantino is meanwhile seeking to evolve Fifa and the greatest part of that is harnessing the immense power of the club game. A World Cup is only every four years, after all. The club game is all the time and everywhere. “How many people outside of Italy are supporting the Italian national team,” Infantino pondered in October 2019. “Not many, but when you look at how many people are supporting Real Madrid or Barcelona in Spain, this goes much beyond the Spanish borders. These are hundreds of millions of people all around the world…” Eyeing the huge revenues of the Champions League, Infantino has wanted his own version, which is why the Club World Cup is to be expanded to 32 teams from 2025. To make that as glamorous as Uefa’s showpiece event, though, the Fifa president knows he needs the big European names. So he needs funding to make it attractive, especially when previous talk has been about offers of £80m for competing. Saudi Arabia is one of a few states from the global south that have been doing more business with Fifa. A sponsorship deal with Visit Saudi for the Women’s World Cup – ironically held in Australia and New Zealand – already caused a player revolt. Saudi money meanwhile formed part of a Softbank fund that was supposed to finance the previous version of this tournament. From all this, a path has been smoothed for Saudi Arabia to get what it really wants, which is the World Cup. The stadium rules were changed. Rivals were taken out of the running. The Saudis had previously been in the running for 2030, which already had Morocco-Spain-Portugal offering a persuasive commercial argument and Argentina-Paraguay-Uruguay offering a persuasive romantic argument due to the centenary of the first World Cup in Montevideo. From what was potentially the most split voting process of all, a much cleaner solution was raised. The South American countries would get three games to recognise the centenary, and the rest of that World Cup would be held in Morocco-Spain-Portugal. Given Fifa’s continental rotation rules and how 2026 is to be staged in Canada-Mexico-USA, that left only Asian and Oceania countries eligible for 2034. Asia quickly fell in behind Saudi Arabia and it should be noted that Infantino has long built a strong alliance with the Asian confederation. They vote for him as a bloc, in presidential elections that don’t actually have competitors. Rather than the transparency that was supposed to define World Cup democracy after the scandals of 2018-22, football was effectively presented with one choice, all the major moves having taken place in meetings behind closed doors. The point to all of this is not to already have the discussion surrounding Saudi Arabia or other World Cups. It is about, as various sources put it, “the failure of football governance”. It certainly doesn’t feel like true democracy and this is regarding decisions that change the face of the entire game. So, amid all of the discussion about Saudi Arabia, the wonder is why there is not more debate about football’s presidential structure just not working for the sport. This is not unique to Fifa after all. The global body, appropriately enough, just represents the most high-profile example from the top down. Uefa and the continental confederations have similar structures. Most of these presidential elections since the 2015 football governance reforms, including the last two from Uefa for Aleksander Ceferin, have been single-candidate campaigns. This gives the eventual incumbent a significant mandate in itself but also comes in a context where there is no “opposition” or multi-party system to keep democratic processes in check once the president is in power. They in effect become executive presidents, with a huge amount of influence to set the direction of the game for decades. Everything flows from the top down, although presidents inevitably spend a lot of time cultivating power blocs. It is why many describe Infantino’s “today I feel…” speech as political genius rather than simply bizarre, since he was speaking to a huge core of constituents that reject western Europe’s perception of the game. Infantino is widely seen as having Africa and Asia sown up in terms of votes. More generally, confederation meetings are described by various people involved as “muted” with only the presidents really speaking, unless it is to express agreement. Dissent or disagreement, as figures like Norwegian president Lise Klaveness have found, is rapidly shut down. This is in part because the president gets to appoint the committees, which everyone wants to be on, so it means no one steps out of line. This problem of power invested in the role is then compounded by the power of tournaments themselves. It is quite an intoxicating thing to be able to fly around the planet on private jets, “have every door opened” – in the words of one prominent source – and be able to bestow the most popular events in the world on countries. This brings all the pomp and circumstance of a major head of state, but with none of the responsibility or the internal resistance. Figures with long knowledge of how football governance talk of how presidents get “power corrupted”, if not financially corrupted. “Ceferin has changed,” one source who knows him says. It was similarly noted by people in English football how, after the Super League, Ceferin was much more content to thank heads of state rather than football administrators. A tension between Fifa and Uefa over the game’s calendar has meanwhile evolved into an increasingly personal rivalry between Infantino and Ceferin, that drives a lot of modern football. All of this has created a situation where, to bring it full circle, a series of tournament votes where there have been single candidatures too. Although 2026 did have Morocco, it was seen as a fait accompli for Canada-Portugal-Spain and that was the start of a series of five successive European Championships and World Cups where there was only one bid. Is this really how the world’s only truly global game should be governed, especially when that status gives it such profound political power, and it consequently faces a number of existential threats? Decisions of huge importance are taken out of the hands of those most affected. It all speaks to a dangerously split game, prone to all sorts of influences, but this is one huge reason why it is split in the first place. There’s similarly an argument that this isn’t really about individuals in the roles, even if everyone obviously has personal responsibilities. It is what the system produces. The system needs to evolve. There should be wider-reaching outcomes than the mess of 2030, or Saudi Arabia getting 2034. If the Russia-Qatar decisions prompted regime change at Fifa, this should prompt a change of the entire governance model. Read More Saudi Arabian World Cup in 2034 sparks ‘significant concern’ from major leagues Lionel Messi, the complete footballer who completed football, finally leaves the Ballon d’Or stage Enjoying the Qatar World Cup? Here is the reality hiding in plain sight The year that sportswashing won: A season that changed football forever Sportswashing is about to change football beyond anything you can imagine First golf, now football? Saudi Arabia’s grand plan and the 72 hours that changed everything

Irene Paredes was denied the opportunity to make her 100th appearance for Spain after an computer error meant that she wasn’t listed in the squad for Tuesday’s match against Switzerland. The Barcelona defender had missed her country’s 1-0 win against Italy last Friday with injury but was hoping to make her return to the team for their Nations League fixture in Zurich. However, a computer glitch in Uefa’s system meant that the Spanish Football Federation were unable to update their squad list ahead of the game. The squad from the previous game - which Paredes missed - was instead submitted, meaning the 32-year-old was unable to be selected. The error also meant Amaiur Sarriegi still appeared in the squad list, despite being withdrawn from the national squad due to injury. “There was some kind of computer problem,” Spain’s head coach Montse Tome said. “I was told about it at the hotel so I had to adapt to the situation. From there, we chose the 11 that you saw.” On the pitch, Spain extended their perfect start in their Nations League group, running out comfortable 7-1 winners against Switzerland after a brace from Alexia Putellas. Aitana Bonmati also started the game after being crowned Women’s Ballon d’Or winner earlier in the week. Paredes could still earn her 100th cap for her country in next month’s international break when Space take on Italy and Sweden. Putellas and Jenni Hermoso are the only current players to have reached the landmark for the national side. Hermoso made a triumphant return to the national side last week, coming off the bench to score the winner against Italy in her first appearance for Spain since the kiss scandal involving former Spanish football president Luis Rubiales at the women’s World Cup final. Read More Why the Ballon d’Or still doesn’t care about women’s football Lionel Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or as Aitana Bonmati and Jude Bellingham also pick up awards Luis Rubiales banned from football for three years after World Cup final kiss

Ian Machado Garry is nothing if not unapologetic. He is unapologetic in every kick he skims off foreheads, in every punch he pistons at jaws, and he is certainly unapologetic in every word he utters. And when the Irishman delivers the anecdote of the day – one of the anecdotes of the week in the MMA world – it is punctuated with a “there’s a piece for you to write, for sure.” So, it will come as a surprise to some that the anecdote in question, on being banned from the UFC welterweight champion’s gym, is not delivered brashly. Machado Garry, his gaze occasionally drifting past me and fixing on the London skyline over an autumnal Southbank, selects his words with the same precision and intent with which he selects his shots in the Octagon. “I don’t want any s*** with any gyms... I love the guys at that gym, they were very welcoming, lovely and nice to me...” It is not clear who Machado Garry’s critics want him to be, yet regardless, it seems he will never be that person. The 25-year-old, soon to turn 26, has been criticised for ‘trying to be’ Conor McGregor 2.0, and for what some deem an over-inflated sense of self. But he believes a considerable reaction from fans will accompany what he is about to say, and a few hours after the first segment of our interview goes live, he is proven right. He is even proven right by the segment of fans who dismiss his significance in this sporting sphere. According to Machado Garry, he is not allowed back to train with Leon Edwards due to “doubts and insecurities” in the welterweight champion and his coach. Team Renegade, where Edwards trains, suggests to The Independent that Machado Garry was “refused entrance” as he did not “add to the team’s culture”. Still, the gym’s statement praises the 25-year-old’s career, just as he praises the environment there. There is an irony in the fact that such an absorbing back-and-forth stems from a long chat in which Machado Garry and I mainly discuss family, travel and culture. Machado Garry has been refused entrance to gyms before but also enjoys what Renegade labels a “nomadic approach”, and as the gym notes: It has given him “great results”. Indeed, Machado Garry, his wife and young son will travel to Brazil just two days after our interview, but it is not just about learning within the four walls of gyms, or from the martial artists on their mats. “It’s so beautiful, interesting, intriguing – seeing different cultures, different natural wonders, eating different foods. If you compare Iceland to Barcelona to England to Dublin to Brazil to America, they’re all vastly different and offer different positives and negatives. For growth as a human, to see all these things... it’s very, very cool.” Machado Garry’s enthusiasm is apparent not only in his words but his delivery. The 25-year-old’s voice blares at times, and he often leans in, his hands almost gesturing either side of my face. I can see how that reach is useful in the ring. “In Brazil, having a babá – a nanny and chef – is very popular for people with more than the average income,” he continues. “Their attitude as a country is: If you have money, why don’t you pay this woman who doesn’t have money, so she can feed her kids. She’s an amazing cook, why don’t you hire her? The level of open-mindedness from that, it’s so forward-thinking. I find that so empowering, so special, so beautiful.” Machado Garry would use the same words to describe his experience of fatherhood, which began in his early 20s as he and his wife, Layla, 40, began raising their son Leo. Machado Garry has always had a clear trajectory in mind for his career, and he has followed that trajectory like he is magnetised to its track, but what of family? Did he imagine he would form one so soon in life? “I always knew I wanted to have a son. To watch a little version of me grow up, and to help him through life... Not to steer anything for him – I will always want him to be his own person – but my goal is to be a better example than my dad was. That sounds a bit like my dad was a d***, but he’s not!” Machado Garry laughs. “It’s evolution: I want to give my son more than I had. Then, my son’s son or daughter will have more than I gave to him. I want a best friend in my son, and I want my son to feel like he has a best friend in his dad. [It’s special] to have someone who looks up to you, who comes to you for fun. ‘Let’s go play football or a round of golf!’ “And then, from the moment I met my wife, I was hooked. I was done. I would’ve married her the next day. On the spot, I knew she was perfect. She is my biggest inspiration and mentor in life. I learn the most from her about religion, racism, culture, being a better father. When she says something, I hear it. I need to respect it. And I feel like I always knew we’d have a kid, but I never thought about time. I couldn’t be happier that I had a kid when I did, that I got married when I did. Time and age isn’t something my brain equates – I don’t see it as an issue or anything like that.” Something else that Machado Garry doesn’t see as an issue is his impending fight with Vicente Luque, a former teammate, in December. While friends in other divisions refuse to square off in the cage, Machado Garry has no such qualms. And neither does Luque. “I’ve never understood this,” Machado Garry begins. “Firstly, I choose to fight. It’s my job. Imagine you going into work, and saying: ‘He’s my friend, I don’t want to do a piece on him.’ What the f*** are you talking about? I would happily do my entire camp on the same mat as Vicente, I would spar Vicente to fight Vicente. I have no ego, no animosity. I suppose that’s because I’m confident in my own abilities. I can go in there and cause violence and damage to a person I like, because it’s my job and I try to do it for fun. For Vicente and me, it’s out of nothing but respect. “I really, really like Vicente as a person, but at the end of the day, he’s ranked above me – and if I beat him, it adds more legitimacy to my run. Beating him, and doing it in style, does so much for my career. He’s a savage, and [his mindset] is the exact same: He knows that I’m one of the biggest fights in the division – in the entire UFC – right now. There’s a lot of hype behind my name, people are interested by what I’m doing. Both of us are true martial artists and see the benefits, more than we see: ‘Oh, but I’m fighting a friend!’ “One thing I’m learning at the moment is that even adults, people I look up to and am inspired by, don’t deal with conflict very well. We’re in such an alpha-dominated sport, but dealing with conflict is so difficult for most people in MMA. If you don’t like X, don’t just ignore it; have a grown-up conversation, explain it to me. I struggle a little bit sometimes with pushing people to be better. I don’t expect everyone in the world to be perfect, but... And I’m the 25-year-old! Why am I the one having to deal with this? But I’m included in this: I need to deal with conflict better.” I sense that Machado Garry is hinting again at the situation with Edwards’s gym. And with the Irishman and the Jamaican-born Briton both set to compete at UFC 296 on 16 December, I sense that the situation will soon unravel itself further. Then, we will see how both fighters deal with conflict. So. There was a piece for me to write. Read More Leon Edwards’s gym responds to Ian Machado Garry’s ‘insecurity’ claim UFC’s Ian Garry: ‘Leon Edwards and his coach said I can’t train at their gym anymore’ UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year UFC schedule 2023: Every fight happening this year When will Conor McGregor return to the UFC? The Independent’s pound-for-pound UFC rankings