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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Islam Makhachev successfully defended his championship in the main event of UFC 330, winning by decision over Ian Machado Garry in a five-round fight.
Throughout the fight, Machado Garry showed respect to Makhachev, perhaps too much, according to both UFC CEO Dana White and Makhachev. Both were critical of how nice Machado Garry was being in a high-stakes fight.
During his post-fight press conference, Makhachev was asked about Machado Garry saying things to him, trying to hug him, and touch him on the head between rounds.
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"Bro, I don't understand. This is a fight; we don't have to hug each other every round. We're going to war, to broke the face, to broke the eye, you know?" Makhachev said.
"I respect all my opponents, but Ian, I don't know, he respects too much. It's not something you have to play. ... This is fight; this is not game," he told reporters.
More news: Conor McGregor Predicts Winner of Islam Makhachev-Ian Machado Garry Title Fight
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Earlier in the evening, White told reporters he hates seeing that sort of thing in such a big fight at a UFC event, calling out Machado Garry's niceness.
"I think Ian is a talented guy. If he had even an ounce of killer instinct, in that fifth round, you don't come out and hug and shake hands. That [expletive] drives me crazy," White told reporters.
While Machado Garry seemingly lacked that killer instinct, he managed to withstand Makhachev for a full five rounds. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough attacks or control of the fight to pick up the win as the underdog.
According to ESPN, Makhachev controlled the fight for 12 minutes and 30 seconds, while Machado Garry controlled for just 34 seconds across five rounds.
The fight featured Makhachev with multiple takedowns and submission attempts, which Machado Garry withstood. He ultimately won via unanimous decision (49–46, 49–46, 48–47) to retain his UFC Welterweight Championship.
Many MMA fans will probably agree that fighters having respect for opponents is great. Still, the objective is to aggressively attack and destroy that opponent, rather than leave the octagon on friendly terms.
In additional comments, Makhachev said he plans to get bigger and gain more power for his next fight. He also named Carlos Prates as deserving of a fight, but it is unknown when that fight will occur.
More news: Joe Rogan Believes Islam Makhachev Could Retire After UFC 330
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