Islam Makhachev suggested that Ian Machado Garry could have restrained his displays of respect during their UFC 330 main event bout.

Makhachev defended his welterweight title against Garry this past Saturday in Philadelphia. Initially, Makhachev pinned Garry against the fence for the entirety of the first round, then knocked down the challenger with a head kick in the second. While Garry had his most dominant performance in the third round, Makhachev reasserted control in the fourth and fifth rounds using his grappling skills to secure a unanimous decision victory.

Throughout the fight, Garry frequently exhibited deference towards the 170-pound champion, patting his back and even embracing the surefire future UFC Hall of Famer. Speaking at the UFC 330 post-fight press conference, Makhachev expressed that he found these gestures to be excessive.

“Honestly, I don’t understand,” Makhachev stated. “This is a fight. This is not something where we have to hug each other every round. We’re going to war. We’re going to break the face, to break the eye. I respect all my opponents. But [maybe he’s young]. He respects too much. I respect him. He’s a good guy. Very kind. But this is a war. Look at my face. I just come to beat everything. It’s not something you have to play. This is a fight. This is not a game.”

Garry has reiterated his ambition to become a UFC champion and believes he still has ample time to achieve this goal. For the time being, the Irish fighter will need to regroup before his next Octagon appearance. Makhachev, meanwhile, has two strong contenders eager to face him: Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

Following his successful first welterweight title defense, Makhachev will have some time to rest but intends to return before Ramadan. This suggests his next fight is slated for January 2027 at the very latest.

English Translation:

Islam Makhachev criticizes Ian Machado Garry for overdoing respectful gestures during UFC 330 fight: “This is not a game”

Islam Makhachev believes Ian Machado Garry could have toned down all the hugging during the UFC 330 main event.

Makhachev put the welterweight title on the line against Garry this past Saturday in Philadelphia. Makhachev held Garry up against the fence throughout the opening frame before dropping the challenger with a head kick during the second stanza. Garry had his strongest showing in the third round, but Makhachev regained control in rounds four and five with his grappling to secure the unanimous decision victory.

Garry often had moments where he showed respect for the 170-pound champion, dapping him up and even hugging the surefire future UFC Hall of Famer. During the UFC 330 post-fight press conference, Makhachev admitted he felt the gestures were a bit over the top.

“Honestly, I don’t understand,” Makhachev said. “This is a fight. This is not something we have to hug each other every round. We’re going to war. We’re going to break the face, to break the eye. I respect all my opponents. But [maybe he’s young]. He respects too much. I respect him. He’s a good guy. Very kind. But this is a war. Look at my face. I just come to beat everything. It’s not something you have to play. This is a fight. This is not a game.”

Garry has said that his goal of becoming a UFC champion remains, and he believes there is plenty of time to fulfill his goal. For now, the Irish star will need to readjust before stepping back inside the Octagon. As for Makhachev, he has two eager contenders waiting for him in Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.

Makhachev will have some time to rest after earning his first successful welterweight title defense, but he plans to return before Ramadan. That would mean his next fight would be in January 2027 at the latest.