TLDR
- Ian Machado Garry lost to Islam Makhachev by unanimous decision at UFC 330 after being dropped in round two
- Garry faced criticism from Dana White and fans for hugging Makhachev multiple times during the fight
- Coach Diego Lima defended Garry’s respectful behavior, comparing it to Charles Oliveira’s greeting style
- Islam Makhachev called Garry one of his most dangerous opponents and predicted he will become UFC champion
- Lima believes Garry could win a rematch with more aggression and predicts they’ll win the belt in 2027
Sources: yardbarker.com | yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com
Ian Machado Garry’s coach is pushing back against criticism after his fighter lost a UFC title fight while showing friendliness toward his opponent.
Diego Lima defended Garry’s behavior at UFC 330 in August, where the Irish welterweight lost by unanimous decision to champion Islam Makhachev. Garry was dropped in the second round and faced backlash for hugging Makhachev multiple times throughout the fight.
“I swear I didn’t notice it,” Lima told MMA Fighting. “And I don’t think the hugs influenced anything at all.”
Ian Machado-Garry goes OFF on Michael Chiesa for laughing after Song Yadong knocked out Umar Nurmagomedov 😳
“It’s disgusting.. You laugh at one of us, the new generation of martial artists, a great young man.. you laugh at him losing? I almost cried.”
(Via Instagram) pic.twitter.com/iG5F8WoVe6
— UFC Central (@TheUFCentral) September 1, 2026
UFC CEO Dana White criticized Garry after the fight, saying he lacked “killer instinct” in the final round by coming out and hugging his opponent instead of rushing for a finish. Makhachev also questioned the excessive hugging immediately after the fight.
Lima compared Garry’s behavior to former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who regularly greets opponents between rounds. He said Garry is simply a respectful and polite family man.
“If he wants to greet people more, let him greet people more,” Lima said. “There’s no problem with that.”
Makhachev Praises Former Opponent
Despite defeating Garry, Makhachev had high praise for the 27-year-old fighter’s future in the sport.
The 34-year-old champion said Garry was one of the most dangerous opponents he has faced. Makhachev went further, predicting that Garry will eventually hold UFC gold.
“I consider one of the most dangerous and serious opponents to be my last opponent, Ian Machado Garry,” Makhachev said. “I think he will become champion after I leave.”
Makhachev also spoke about other potential challengers in the welterweight division. He dismissed Yaroslav Amosov as a threat, saying he doesn’t consider him a dangerous fighter.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales remain as top contenders who haven’t yet faced Makhachev. Prates is widely expected to get the next title shot.
Coach Confident About Rematch
Lima acknowledged that Garry could have been more aggressive during the fight. He believes this is a lesson learned for future bouts.
“I think if we had been just a little more aggressive, we could have knocked him out,” Lima said. He pointed out that both fighters’ faces showed the damage from the competitive fight.
The coach praised Makhachev as an extremely tough fighter whose results speak for themselves. Lima was also in Makhachev’s corner when he fought Oliveira for the lightweight title.
“Ian Garry came very close to winning this fight,” Lima said. “That’s why I really believe that in a rematch, Ian Garry can win.”
Lima called Garry one of the smartest fighters in the UFC with one of the highest fight IQs. He said Garry has shown the ability to adapt to different fighting styles, pointing to his performance against striker Carlos Prates and grappler Makhachev.
“I really believe we’re going to have that belt next year,” Lima said.
Garry has since called for a title eliminator fight against Michael Morales. Makhachev has indicated he hopes to return to action before Ramadan in early 2027.
