Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 16

Ian Machado Garry Vows Return After 2nd UFC Loss as Makhachev Extends Streak to 17

Updated

Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 16

Ian Machado Garry Vows Return After 2nd UFC Loss as Makhachev Extends Streak to 17

Q: What must Garry change after UFC 330 if he wants to turn a proud title-fight loss into a real rematch?

Garry’s path to a real rematch is clear: he has to turn a competitive loss into undeniable contender status by improving his early-round offense against elite grapplers and then beating another top welterweight. At UFC 330, the biggest problem was not heart or confidence. It was that Makhachev banked too much of the fight early with wrestling, clinch control and a Round 2 knockdown. Garry rallied well in the middle rounds, defended takedowns better as the fight wore on, and did effective body work, but he spent too much of the opening half reacting. In a rematch, he would need sharper starts, cleaner exits from the clinch, and more immediate punishment when defending shots so Makhachev cannot build rounds through control. He also needs to create more decisive moments. Garry’s own style has drawn criticism for winning on points without enough damage or finishes, and that matters in a title picture crowded by names such as Carlos Prates, Michael Morales and a returning Shavkat Rakhmonov. A proud loss keeps him relevant; a statement win over one of those contenders would make him hard to deny. Just as important, Garry has to prove that his late success against Makhachev was repeatable, not situational. If he can show over his next fight or two that he can stop takedowns earlier, sustain body attacks longer and hurt top opponents often enough to swing rounds clearly, then the UFC can sell a rematch as unfinished business rather than a respectable defeat.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Aug 16

Ian Machado Garry said on Instagram that he is "not disheartened" after losing a unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev in Saturday's UFC 330 welterweight title fight.
At 28, Garry said he felt he "did great" and had pushed Makhachev "to the wire," while calling the champion simply better on the night.
The defeat was only Garry's second in 12 UFC appearances and came after rebound wins over Belal Muhammad and Carlos Prates had earned him the title shot.
Makhachev's victory was his 17th straight in the UFC, breaking Anderson Silva's company record and reinforcing his standing as welterweight champion and the promotion's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
Garry closed by congratulating Makhachev's team and promising he will return for "plenty of fun matchups" as he looks to his next fight.