BREAKING: Irish Lightweight Dean Barry Signs For UFC

Image Credit: UAE Warriors

Irish lightweight Dean Barry has been signed by the UFC, SevereMMA have confirmed with the promotion.

Barry began his career in 2017 with a win over Thomas Thatcher, followed by a loss to American veteran Anthony Taylor the next summer. A victory over Corey Samuels in 2019 steered the Tallaght striker back on track, but it was his next outing that really set Barry apart.

The news of Barry’s UFC signing comes off the back of his first-round win over Abdulla Al Bousheiri at UAE Warriors 13 in September. After facing some adversity in the grappling department early on, “The Sniper” scored a highlight-reel KO that clearly drew the UFC brass’ attention.

https://twitter.com/andyste123/status/1309537969712365569

That win brought the former multiple-time WAKO kickboxing world champion’s MMA record to 3-1, with all three of the Dubliner’s wins coming by way of knockout. Barry trains out of SBG Charlestown under the tutelage of Irish MMA legend and striking coach to Conor McGregor, Owen Roddy.

Dean Barry poses with Coach Owen Roddy after signing his UFC contract.

Speaking to SevereMMA, Barry described the elation of a rollercoaster 24 hours, which saw him both sign for the UFC and welcome the birth of his son, Jayce:

“The contract arrived within a couple of hours of my son being born. It was fate, it’s my destiny! I love my son, I’m going to do it for him and make him proud. He’s a miracle! I used to fight for pride, now I fight to provide.”

Dean’s son Jayce was born just hours before his UFC signing.

Dean Barry joins Conor McGregor and Rhys McKee as the three Irish fighters currently on the UFC roster.

Andy is a multimedia reporter, interviewer, writer, with a strong focus on Irish MMA. Co-host of The Auld Triangle podcast. Follow Andy on Twitter (@andyste123) and Instagram (@andystevensonMMA).

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