UFC president Dana White gave a blunt assessment of Ian Machado Garry after the Irishman's loss to Islam Makhachev on Saturday night. White was unhappy with Garry's decision to hug his opponent at the start of the final round instead of attacking.
White criticises lack of killer instinct
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, White said: "I think Ian is a talented guy. If he had even an ounce of killer instinct, in that fifth round, you don't come out and hug and shake hands. That s*** drives me crazy. You come out in that fifth round with a flying knee and try to finish the fight."
Makhachev echoed White's comments, saying: "Bro I don't understand. This is a fight, we don't have to hug each other every round. We're going to war. I respect all my opponents, but Ian respects too much. It's not something you have to play. This is fight, this is not game."
Makhachev makes history at UFC 330
The Russian champion won on points in what was his first defence as a 170lb titleholder. The victory extended his win streak to 17, breaking Anderson Silva's record for the longest in UFC history.
Makhachev said of the fight: "Ian is a great fighter, he gave me a hard time. But I prove every fight." He added: "Oh, let’s see [if it’s the most-difficult fight I’ve had]. Maybe the first one in Australia [against Alex Volkanovski], it was also very hard. I feel the guys have more power [at 170lb], very hard to submit them, but still my game is working. I take down all my opponents and give them a hard time there."
Garry remains defiant despite defeat
Despite suffering his second career loss, Garry was gracious and defiant. "Nothing surprised me. I have nothing but respect for Islam," he said. "I believed in my heart and in my soul I was better than him tonight; he won, I have no complaints, no excuses."
He added: "This was the best camp of my life. I love my wife, my little boy, I fight to make them happy. I’m 28 years of age, I have a decade of domination in this sport. This man won today, that’s okay. I’m as f***ing bulletproof as I could be up here [mentally]. To all the fans that doubt me, I’ll be back. I don’t need any of you, so go f*** yourselves!"
