Ian Machado Garry went five hard rounds with Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, and afterwards, he still had enough energy to have a stern chat with Michael Morales.
The welterweight contenders had a backstage encounter following Garry’s title fight loss to Makhachev, and Garry appeared to take umbrage with past comments Morales made about him.
Watch the exchange below, courtesy of Full Send MMA.
“All the shit you talk, it’s OK,” Garry said. “Make sure you back it up. I don’t know whatever story you made up about meeting me, I’ve never encountered that sort, you know that, right?
“Listen, you’re a good fighter. Show up, keep winning, and you can do anything. Does that make sense? You’ve got massive fights in this division. You’ve got me, you’ve got [Carlos] Prates, you’ve got Islam. Show up and fight. Does that make sense? You’re an animal. You’re strong.”
Morales has been a popular choice to fight Islam in the near future, with the Ecuadorian standout sporting a spotless 19-0 record, including seven wins in the UFC. His past three wins have been dominant first-round knockouts over veterans Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny.
However, Morales hasn’t fought since November, so he likely has more work to do before getting his crack at Makhachev. Garry, in his unique way, appears to be supportive of Morales.
“I don’t know about any story where I’ve met you and I’ve talked shit to you,” Garry said. “In this sport, people talk shit, I ignore it. You’re a good fighter. You’re young, you’re strong up here, and that means you can do anything. Spread good, do good. You knock people out, you beat people up, that’s what gets respect.”
