Garry confronts Morales backstage after UFC 330 title fight
MMA Fighting • 3 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026

Ian Machado Garry, fresh from a five-round match against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, had a backstage discussion with Michael Morales. Garry expressed discontent over comments Morales previously made about him. He praised Morales as a good fighter but emphasized the importance of backing up his words with actions. Morales, boasting a 19-0 record, has not competed since November and is seen as a potential challenger for Makhachev's title. Garry's remarks suggest a mix of support and challenge for Morales as he looks to advance in the welterweight division.
- •Garry lost to Makhachev in a title fight at UFC 330.
- •Backstage, Garry and Morales exchanged words regarding past comments.
- •Garry encouraged Morales to prove himself in the octagon.
- •Morales holds a 19-0 record but hasn't fought since last November.
- •Garry sees potential matchups for Morales with top contenders.
- 1:00 PMMMA Fighting — Ian Machado Garry lectures Michael Morales backstage at UFC 330: ‘The shit you talk… make sure you back it up’
"Ian Machado Garry went five hard rounds with Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, and afterwards, he still had enough energy to have a stern chat with Michael Morales. The welterweight contenders had a backstage encounter following Garry’s title fight loss to Makhachev, and Garry appeared to take umbrage with past comments Morales made about him. Watch the exchange below, courtesy of Full Send MMA. Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales exchange words after UFC 330 Garry – “All the s**t you talk it’s ok, just make sure you back it up. I don’t know what story you made up about meeting me, I’ve never encountered that. You’re a good fighter, show up, keep winning” pic.twitter.com/iszfWF291G — FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) August 16, 2026 “All the shit you talk, it’s OK,” Garry said. “Make sure you back it up. I don’t know whatever story you made up about meeting me, I’ve never encountered that sort, you know that, right? “Listen, you’re a good fighter. Show up, keep winning, and you can do anything. Does that make sense? You’ve got massive fights in this division. You’ve got me, you’ve got [Carlos] Prates, you’ve got Islam. Show up and fight. Does that make sense? You’re an animal. You’re strong.” Morales has been a popular choice to fight Islam in the near future, with the Ecuadorian standout sporting a spotless 19-0 record, including seven wins in the UFC. His past three wins have been dominant first-round knockouts over veterans Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny. However, Morales hasn’t fought since November, so he likely has more work to do before getting his crack at Makhachev. Garry, in his unique way, appears to be supportive of Morales. “I don’t know about any story where I’ve met you and I’ve talked shit to you,” Garry said. “In this sport, people talk shit, I ignore it. You’re a good fighter. You’re young, you’re strong up here, and that means you can do anything. Spread good, do good. You knock people out, you beat people up, that’s what gets respect.”
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