Ian Machado Garry is keeping his head held extremely high following UFC 330, and his loss to Islam Makhachev.
Machado Garry lost a competitive decision to the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world in August, and ahead of Katie Taylor’s final fight at Croke Park in Ireland, Machado Garry discussed his feelings about the fight with Makhachev.
“Proud, happy, proud of me and my team, my preparation, everything we did,” Machado Garry told DAZN. “Obviously, annoyed by the result, that’s the fight game. We get back on the horse, we go again. Because I’ve got 10 years in this sport to be at the highest level, fight the baddest men in the world, beat them, and prove that I’m one of the baddest men walking the planet.”
Machado Garry’s performance drew criticism from UFC CEO Dana White for his lack of fire in terms of trying to hurt Makhachev, electing to show, perhaps, too much resppect for the welterweight champion.
Regardless, “The Future” feels if they ran it back — literally, anytime — he would be the one walking out of the octagon as the champion.
“I definitely think the biggest thing I could’ve done was a bit more volume,” Machado Garry said. “A bit more me, a bit more kicks, more venom in the shots to the head. But at the end of the day, when you’re stood in front of a man who has been able to beat everyone he’s stood in front of, it’s difficult to maneuver that.
“But I feel like if I fight him right now, I beat him. I have so much confidence in myself, so much confidence in my team and the preparation that we do. I just want to get back in there tomorrow and do it all over again.”
In regards to when Machado Garry would like to return to action in the stacked welterweight division and keep his name in the championship hunt, he says he’s just waiting on that phone to ring.
“As soon as physically possible,” Machado Garry said. “Anyone, anywhere, anytime, go back in there, prove I’m one of the baddest men on the planet. Don’t stop.”
