Garry Recalls Chimaev Altercation After Doha Shoving Match

Ian Garry says his backstage confrontation with Khamzat Chimaev last November in Doha was blown out of proportion by bystanders.

Garry, who defeated Belal Muhammad on the November card in Qatar, approached Tsarukyan's corner after the main event and shook hands with the team, including Chimaev. According to Sherdog, security had to step in after Chimaev shoved Garry following a pat on the back. The Irishman told Full Send MMA this week that the interaction only turned hostile once people inserted themselves between the two fighters.

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What Garry Says Happened With Chimaev In Doha

Garry said he was congratulating each member of Arman Tsarukyan's corner individually and realized he had skipped Chimaev. When he circled back to greet the former middleweight challenger, the exchange remained cordial until security intervened. "We were cool, we were fine at that point. It was only when someone stepped in between us that it was a problem," Garry said, per the podcast. "If he wanted to suplex me and put me on my skull, he would have done it when I [leaned on him]. Go watch my body language again. In no way, shape, or form was it aggressive. It was purely out of respect; there was no mal intent."

Chimaev lost his middleweight title to Sean Strickland in May and is campaigning for a rematch. Garry challenges Islam Makhachev for the welterweight strap at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ian Garry shares his side of the altercation with Khamzat Chimaev