Dana White Criticizes Ian Garry for Lacking ‘Killer Instinct’ After UFC 330 Loss to Islam Makhachev

UFC CEO Dana White calls out Ian Garry for being overly friendly and respectful with Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

Dana White Criticizes Ian Garry for Lacking ‘Killer Instinct’ After UFC 330 Loss to Islam Makhachev

Dana White criticizes Ian Garry's behavior against Islam Makhachev (via X, Bloody Elbow)

UFC CEO Dana White has not held back his criticism of Ian Garry after the Irishman appeared overly friendly during his UFC 330 clash with Islam Makhachev. Garry lost his first-ever UFC title fight to Makhachev in the UFC 330 main event at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena via unanimous decision.

Garry repeatedly showed sportsmanship toward Makhachev, including handshakes, fist bumps, and high-fives during the fight. He continued those friendly gestures in the fifth round, despite needing a strong finish against the defending champion. Garry maintained that approach as the bout reached its decisive final moments.

Even after the fight, Garry continued to embrace Makhachev and showed strong respect toward the champion. Khabib Nurmagomedov then entered the Octagon, with Garry also praising the former champion’s legacy. Garry’s praise for both men further highlighted the respectful approach that led White to question his drive.

This drives me crazy. You don’t come out, shake hands and hug before the fifth round. You come out in that fifth round with the flying knee or something crazy, and you’re trying to finish the fight.

Dana White via UFC 330 post fight press conference

Even before the fight, Garry praised Makhachev during the UFC 330 press conference while discussing Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s impact. Garry spoke positively about Makhachev, but the champion quickly told him to stop. Makhachev later explained that he did not like being interrupted while answering the question.

Garry has faced backlash throughout his career, with scrutiny intensifying before UFC 330. An account claiming to be his brother disputed Garry’s claims about their upbringing, including his descriptions of abuse and limited family support. The account defended their parents and claimed they supported the UFC star financially.

Scrutiny around Garry intensified after he appeared in a PETA campaign promoting veganism. He participated in PETA’s “Turn Over a New Leaf” campaign, encouraging people to choose plant-based foods. His involvement added another talking point surrounding the Irish welterweight before UFC 330.

More interestingly, White had initially backed Garry to upset Makhachev at UFC 330. Before the fight, the UFC boss argued Garry was being overlooked after defeating Belal Muhammad and earning the title opportunity. His prediction makes his later criticism of the Portmarnock native’s approach even more notable.

Ian Garry also recently made a huge career move by signing with Matchroom Talent Agency. The company is owned by Eddie Hearn, who is currently at odds with Dana White over their boxing disputes. The move could potentially put ‘The Future’ in the UFC CEO’s doghouse and adds another layer to his career after UFC 330.

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Dana White opens up about UFC superstar’s potential return

Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 return ended in major disappointment after almost five years away from the sport. He faced Max Holloway in a rematch at T-Mobile Arena but suffered a knee injury just 69 seconds into the fight. The injury forced a first-round stoppage, abruptly ending his long-awaited comeback.

Both McGregor and Holloway have spoken about completing their rivalry with a trilogy fight following their UFC 329 rematch. The two fighters have expressed interest in settling their rivalry with a definitive third meeting. However, Dana White has confirmed the UFC is not currently planning to book the trilogy fight.

Dana White
Dana White (via SPORTbible)

McGregor has now undergone surgery to repair the ACL and meniscus injuries. The Irish star has outlined a 2027 return as he continues his recovery and targets another UFC appearance.

White was recently asked about McGregor’s comeback, with the UFC boss responding enthusiastically about the possibility.

Why would I [think about him before next year]? The guy just had surgery. What do you want me to do? Well, maybe in a year from now when he starts. Who knows what the world is going to look like a year from now?

Dana White via UFC 330 post fight press conference

Conor McGregor’s UFC return remains uncertain despite White’s enthusiasm about seeing him back inside the Octagon. Dana White has acknowledged the UFC may never have another star matching The Notorious One’s global popularity. That makes McGregor’s potential 2027 comeback a major storyline as he continues recovering.

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