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Share on FacebookUFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev admitted he was highly confused by Ian Machado Garry’s excessive displays of friendliness during their UFC 330 main event bout. Speaking at the post-fight press conference in Philadelphia, Makhachev explained that while he respects all his opponents outside the Octagon, Garry's mid-fight gestures felt out of place.
According to the pound-for-pound king, the Irish challenger brought an unexpected level of politeness into the cage. Makhachev noted that Garry seemed like a very kind and good person, but heavily questioned the decision to initiate handshakes and hugs during a high-stakes championship fight.
The champion stressed that professional mixed martial arts is a brutal sport focused on damage rather than camaraderie. Makhachev stated that when fighters enter the cage, they are going to war to break their opponent’s face and nose. Pointing to the visible bruises on his own face, he added that combat sports are not something people come to play, concluding firmly that the Octagon is for real fighting and is definitely not a game.
Despite finding Garry’s friendly antics strange, Makhachev praised his opponent's vastly improved grappling defense, which he credited to veteran coach Demian Maia. The unanimous decision victory marked Makhachev's 17th consecutive win in the UFC, breaking the promotion's historic record.
