Dana White Comments on Ian Machado Garry’s UFC Performance

Ian Machado Garry was not present at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, yet his name surfaced during a media discussion with CEO Dana White about Garry’s recent performance. The conversation stemmed from White’s previous remarks after Machado Garry’s loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 where Makhachev defended his UFC Welterweight Championship.

The main critique from White, Makhachev, and others focused on Machado Garry’s approach. They felt he lacked aggression against his opponents. Despite this, White clarified his earlier comments when questioned post Fight Night. A reporter referenced White’s prior statement about wanting Garry to ‘annihilate’ Makhachev in the final round.

White corrected, “I didn’t say I’d like for him to do that. What I said was, you get this opportunity; you’ve worked your whole life to get there.” He acknowledged Garry’s efforts, “I thought Ian Garry did good work leading up to the fifth round, assuming that was the plan, and you want to come out and start hugging and shaking hands.” His advice was blunt: Be aggressive during the fight, not just afterward.

“Tell him how great he is when they’re putting the belt on you,” White emphasized.

White also expressed doubt about Garry getting another such opportunity, “Ian might never have that opportunity again and probably will never get the opportunity to fight Islam again.” Makhachev retained his title by unanimous decision and supported White’s view of Garry’s performance.

Despite the criticism, Machado Garry continues to earn respect as a talented MMA fighter. With a record of 17 wins and 2 losses in 19 fights, his defeat to Makhachev remains notable against one of the sport’s best. UFC’s Meta rankings currently place Machado Garry as the No. 2 welterweight, surpassed only by Carlos Prates.

Interestingly, Machado Garry defeated Prates via unanimous decision at a UFC on ESPN event in April 2025. His record suggests the potential for another title shot in the future.