Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘Scolds’ Islam Makhachev for Dismissing Ian Garry’s Praise During UFC 330 Presser

UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov humbles Islam Makhachev for showing arrogance while Ian Garry praised him.

Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘Scolds’ Islam Makhachev for Dismissing Ian Garry’s Praise During UFC 330 Presser

Khabib Nurmagomedov calls out Islam Makhachev insulting Ian Garry (via MMA Fighting, MMA Mania)

Khabib Nurmagomedov maintained a humble approach throughout his UFC career. He emphasized letting his performances inside the Octagon speak for themselves. That approach was evident when he criticized Islam Makhachev for telling Ian Garry to shut up as the Irishman praised him.

Makhachev is set to face Garry in the UFC 330 main event, making his first welterweight title defense. Garry enters after defeating former champion Belal Muhammad in his previous fight. The Dagestani star captured the belt by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, becoming the UFC’s 11th two-division champion.

At the UFC 330 press conference, Garry stepped in when Makhachev was asked about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Garry spoke respectfully about Makhachev and his late mentor before the champion told him to shut up. The exchange later drew criticism from Khabib, who felt Makhachev should have responded more respectfully.

I told these guys, brother. I paid for their English teachers one year – they don’t learn nothing. Ian Garry was talking very nicely about him, and he said, ‘Shut up.’ Be nice, brother. Brother, sometimes maybe you don’t like somebody, but when somebody give you respect, just at least be quiet. Don’t say shut up.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Anatomy of a Fighter

Makhachev later defended himself, saying Garry had interrupted a question directed at him. The champion also teased Khabib over his previous Philadelphia cheesesteak mistake, when he called it a “Philly cheesecake.” The UFC legend hilariously acknowledged their banter, suggesting the exchange was even.

Nurmagomedov has also weighed in on the challenge awaiting his teammate at UFC 330. He believes Garry presents a unique challenge with a difficult-to-understand style that could trouble the champion. However, the Dagestani legend remains confident that Makhachev will overcome the challenge.

Humility and discipline have been traits Nurmagomedov has preached throughout his career. He recently urged rising prospect Magomed ‘Chanco’ Zaynukov to stay grounded after gaining major attention before his UFC debut. Zaynukov has since made his debut, defeating Damian Rzepecki at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Nurmagomedov rarely engaged in trash talk, but his rivalry with Conor McGregor was a notable exception. Their feud became deeply personal before UFC 229, with McGregor targeting Nurmagomedov’s family and background. The rivalry ended with ‘The Eagle’ submitting McGregor in the fourth round before the post-fight brawl.

Both Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov have emphasized respecting their opponents, reflecting values shaped by their Dagestani roots.

That mindset remains central to their approach inside and outside the Octagon. As Makhachev prepares for another major test, their shared discipline and respect remain defining parts of their legacy.

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Khabib Nurmagomedov could be set for major podcast appearance

The Joe Rogan Experience has become one of the world’s biggest podcasts since launching in 2009. Joe Rogan has welcomed major names from entertainment, science, politics, and sports throughout the show’s run. Sports guests have included Mike Tyson, Francis Ngannou, and Israel Adesanya.

Khabib Nurmagomedov has yet to appear on JRE, with the language barrier being a major obstacle. The former UFC champion has previously avoided lengthy English-language interviews because of the difficulty involved. This has remained one of the main reasons for his absence from the popular podcast.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Joe Rogan
Khabib Nurmagomedov and Joe Rogan (via MMA Mania)

However, that situation appears to have changed as Nurmagomedov has become more comfortable speaking English. He recently appeared on Lex Fridman’s podcast, discussing Dana White’s impact on the UFC before praising Rogan. He also hinted that an appearance on the JRE could now be inevitable.

As for me going on his podcast, I think it’s inevitable. God willing if we’re given the time and the health we’ll have a lot to talk about. There are so many different topics we could discuss together, so a conversation with Joe Rogan would be very interesting.

Khabib Nurmagoedov via The Lex Fridman podcast

Rogan has long admired Nurmagomedov and the discipline he displayed throughout his UFC career. The longtime UFC commentator has also defended the Dagestani legend on several occasions.

With Khabib Nurmagomedov now more comfortable speaking English, Joe Rogan will likely be eager to bring ‘The Eagle’ onto JRE.

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