Ian Garry's Coach Defends Fighter Against Hugging Criticism
Ian Machado Garry faced criticism for friendly gestures during his UFC 330 main event against Islam Makhachev. However, his coach, Diego Lima, believes the backlash is unwarranted.
Garry challenged Makhachev for the welterweight title in Philadelphia. The fight saw Garry land some shots on Makhachev, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Makhachev secured a unanimous decision after dropping Garry in the second round.
Following the fight, Garry drew criticism from fans, experts, and UFC president Dana White for showing sportsmanship to Makhachev while trailing in the final round. Garry's coach, Diego Lima, told MMAFighting.com that these gestures should not be scrutinized.
"I swear I didn’t notice it," Lima stated. "And I don’t think the hugs influenced anything at all. Him greeting his opponent, honestly… Charles [Oliveira] does that too. Charles hugs everyone when the round ends, when the round starts. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. That didn’t change the outcome of the fight. Thank God, Ian is a family man, a respectful guy, extremely polite. If he wants to greet people more, let him greet people more. There’s no problem with that.”
Garry has since called for a title eliminator bout against Michael Morales. Carlos Prates is widely considered Makhachev's next opponent, though no official announcement has been made. Makhachev aims to fight again before Ramadan, likely in early 2027.
Fresh materials — UFC
Ryan Garcia Eyes Teofimo Lopez Unification Bout After Dominating Conor Benn
Teofimo Lopez is now a target for Ryan Garcia following Garcia's decisive victory over Conor Benn on Saturday. Garcia challenged for the WBC welterweight title against Benn at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For many observers, Benn's inexperience in a title fight was evident. Benn was k
Dana White Denies Banning Oscar De La Hoya from Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn Fight
Dana White, head of Zuffa Boxing, stated he did not prohibit Oscar De La Hoya from attending the Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn boxing match held this past Saturday. Ryan Garcia, who fights under Golden Boy Promotions led by De La Hoya, defeated Conor Benn in the main event of a Ring Magaz
Justin Gaethje Surprisingly Supports Arman Tsarukyan’s Long Wait for UFC Title Shot
Justin Gaethje, the current UFC lightweight champion, has expressed a surprising level of understanding regarding Arman Tsarukyan's extended wait for a title opportunity. Gaethje, who secured the undisputed title by defeating Ilia Topuria via TKO at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year, acknowledg
Tom Aspinall Under Fire from Fellow Heavyweight Amidst Extended Absence
A prominent UFC heavyweight contender believes it's time for Tom Aspinall to either return to the octagon or step aside, given his lengthy hiatus from competition. The undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, remains sidelined following multiple eye surgeries sustained during a no-con
Dana White Pessimistic About Tom Aspinall's 2026 Return: 'Just Keep Rolling'
UFC CEO Dana White harbors doubts about a swift Octagon return for heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who is still recovering from significant eye injuries. Aspinall has been sidelined since sustaining multiple eye injuries during his UFC 321 bout against Ciryl Gane. The fight, which e
Anthony Wint Gears Up for Second Fight in Rapid Succession at UFC 332
UFC heavyweight contender Anthony Wint is quickly making his mark in the division, with another fight scheduled less than two months after his debut. The former NFL player, who secured a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS), made a strong first impression by submitting Terr