Ian Garry faces competition in the shape of Kayla Harrison for the UFC 303 co-main event slot.

On Saturday, it was announced that former dual-weight champion Conor McGregor will end his three-year injury layoff against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29.

McGregor vs Chandler finally has an official dateCredit: Getty

Garry, who is a long-time fan of his Irish compatriot, immediately called to co-headline the card opposite former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington.

“That would be my goal. To see McGregor vs. Chandler main event and Ian Machado Garry as the co-main,” he recently told Genting Casino. “I think that would be a phenomenal card.

“I look up to Conor as a role model and as an inspiration who proved anyone can achieve their dreams. He showed us you can become a UFC champion and do anything you ever dreamed of.

“We grew up very close to each other in Dublin and we’re both on similar trajectories, obviously, he’s done it, and now it’s my turn to do it.”

“I don’t see why the UFC would not put this on,” he continued. “I spoke to [UFC Chief Business Officer] Hunter [Campbell] about it, if this opportunity comes, this has to happen.

Garry is not the only fighter hoping to play a major role at UFC 303.

Bantamweight Harrison looked flawless as she submitted Holly Holm in her promotional debut at UFC 300, and she’s ready to make a quick turnaround.

The former PFL champion says she will happily co-main event McGregor vs Chandler, but only if it’s for a version of the bantamweight title.

Garry started off as just another McGregor fanCredit: @iangarry – Instagram

Now they are sparring partners and firm friendsCredit: @TheNotoriousMMA – Instagram

Raquel Pennington currently holds the belt, but she’s nursing an injury.

So, Harrison suggested a fight with ex-titleholder Julianna Pena instead.

“Yeah, I heard that ‘Rocky’ is hurt all of a sudden,” she said on The MMA Hour.

“If she can’t fight right now, I’m happy to fight whoever this summer for the title.

“Why not [fight Pena] for the interim title then? Then I will unify it, and then I will fight Amanda [Nunes].

“If it’s for a title, I will make myself available [for June 29th]. I would love that.”

Harrison has also put herself forward to co-headline UFC 303Credit: Getty

“My time is now. I like the sound of that [fighting at UFC 303]. I like it, let’s go!”

It’s currently unclear if Garry, Harrison, or someone else with star alongside McGregor and Chandler this summer.

One thing is certain, Dana White will put on a stacked show to celebrate the return of his biggest star, which happens to coincide with International Fight Week in Las Vegas.