Belal Muhammad isn’t mincing words about Ian Machado Garry’s performance at UFC 330. He totally agrees with UFC boss Dana White, saying Machado Garry flat-out lacked killer instinct in his welterweight title loss to Islam Makhachev.
The ‘Hugging’ Problem
Muhammad went off on his YouTube channel, asking, “What’s with this hugging?” He pointed out that Machado Garry, who now holds a 17-2 MMA and 10-2 UFC record, was “too friendly” in Saturday’s main event at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. This was a title fight! With one judge scoring the contest tied at two rounds apiece heading into Round 5, Muhammad expected Machado Garry to absolutely go for it. He needed that killer instinct. Machado Garry’s face wasn’t even beat up like in an “Adesanya vs. Gastelum war” where both guys are just going for it. Machado Garry was losing!
Missed Moments and an Unforgiving Game
According to Muhammad, Machado Garry’s mindset was off. He felt Machado Garry saw getting up from takedowns or not getting tapped as “wins” and that thought process needs a total change. Muhammad says the game is unforgiving. You can’t waste opportunities or moments. He referenced the head kick Makhachev landed in the second round, saying if it had knocked Machado Garry out, it would have changed everything. Muhammad knew the fight was over when Makhachev took Machado Garry’s back in the fifth round and locked in the body triangle. That was Makhachev’s “checkmate moment.” It’s tough to watch someone waste that kind of chance.
Machado Garry did earn this title shot, remember, by beating Muhammad himself via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 265. So Muhammad knows what he’s talking about. Machado Garry’s stock will take a hit, but he’s gotta learn from this and get better. He can’t afford to get “one-punched and get knocked out” in his next fight, potentially against Morales. He needs to “flip the switch” and come back with that killer mindset. This game doesn’t wait for anyone.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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