Islam Makhachev made history at UFC 330, breaking the record for the longest win streak in UFC history with 17 straight wins, earning a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry to defend his welterweight title.
But in the aftermath, the champion found himself almost as puzzled by his opponent’s conduct in the cage as he was pleased with the win.
Throughout the five-round war in Philadelphia, Garry repeatedly showed Makhachev respect mid-fight — moments that left both the champion and UFC CEO Dana White scratching their heads given how competitive and physical the bout was.
Asked about it afterward, Makhachev didn’t hide his confusion at Garry’s approach.
Honestly, I don’t understand,” Makhachev said about Garry’s actions during the UFC 330 post-fight press conference. “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.
Makhachev made clear the sentiment wasn’t personal, and he said he respects all of his opponents, but that Garry’s approach during the fight itself stood out as unusual for a five-round title fight with a UFC record on the line.
He added:
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.
The comments echoed those of Dana White, who said at the UFC 330 post-fight press conference that he felt Garry had a real chance to pull off the upset in the championship rounds but lacked the killer instinct to close the show, pointing to the visible damage Garry had already inflicted on Makhachev by that point.
Despite the frustration from both Makhachev and White, Garry still left Philadelphia with plenty of respect from fight fans and analysts for pushing the pound-for-pound great to his limit — even if his approach in the cage raised eyebrows.
