The curious case of Ireland's latest UFC signee Dean Barry

In November 2020, the announcement of the UFC signing then 3-1 fighter Dean Barry was met by one of the most unique reactions I’ve witnessed in 13 years covering the Irish scene.

Be it legend, journeyman, jobber, media member, manager or fan, they all had the same question: "Why did Dean Barry get signed by the UFC?"

Usually, by the time an Irish professional gets signed by the world’s flagship MMA promotion they have a substantial reputation on the continental scene. Most of Ireland’s UFC fighters had claimed European titles before getting the call-up.

It’s happened once before, with Irish middleweight Charlie Ward, who was similarly signed at 3-1 in 2016. When Ward put pen to paper, he made no secret that Conor McGregor - then featherweight champion and at the height of his power - was the driving force behind the deal.

The confusion only thickened when it emerged that 29-year-old Barry would first take on MMA reporter and fighter Mike Jackson, who boasts a record of 0-1 and is approaching four years of inactivity.

Jackson was last trotted out during the UFC’s attempt to turn former WWE superstar CM Punk to MMA.

Jackson’s decision win on the night was later overturned to a no contest after he tested positive for marijuana, but even before that, Dana White saw no future for him with the organisation.

"I don’t know what that guy did for a living before we gave him this shot, but whatever it was he needs to go back and do that again. He’s 0-2 as far as I’m concerned," said White in the aftermath of the 2018 clash.

#UFC President Dana White is not a fan of "idiot" Mike Jackson "He's 0-2 as far as I'm concerned." #UFC225 pic.twitter.com/8g8HlXZi52

Barry's fight with Jackson fell out twice - visa issues on both sides of the tilt