Makhachev Tells Garry To Stop Doing Interviews

Islam Makhachev has advice for Ian Machado Garry ahead of their Aug. 15 title clash at UFC 330: shut up and train.

The lightweight champion told MMA Junkie that Garry's media appearances have been counterproductive, saying the Irish challenger looks controlled by outside influences. "I saw a couple of his interviews, honestly he looks very bad in these interviews," Makhachev said, per MMA Fighting. "Better for him training more and do less interviews. It looks like somebody in the house controls him and tells him what to say."

Makhachev Dismisses Garry's Trash Talk Ahead Of UFC 330

Makhachev also mocked Garry's attempts to generate buzz, saying the 28-year-old tries to play the villain but lacks authenticity. Garry enters the Philadelphia bout off wins over former champion Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates and has repeatedly promised to finish the pound-for-pound king. Makhachev laughed off those claims, noting every opponent makes similar threats before reality sets in once the cage door closes.

The champion dismissed comparisons between their matchup and the old Khabib Nurmagomedov-Conor McGregor rivalry, calling Garry an Ireland representative "from AliExpress." Garry has gone 10-1 in the UFC since 2021, with his only loss coming against Shavkat Rakhmonov, but recently drew criticism from UFC Belgrade fighter Uros Medic over comments about women running the world.

UFC 330 takes place Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia with the main card streaming on ESPN Plus pay-per-view.

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• MMA Fighting — Islam Makhachev tells Ian Machado Garry to stop doing interviews: ‘It looks like somebody in the house controls him’