Credit: Mike Roach/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov wasn't happy with Islam Makhachev after the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference.

Tensions are ramping up between UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Ian Machado Garry just hours before their fight at UFC 330. At Thursday's pre-fight press conference, Makhachev used part of his mic time to say that not many in the UFC organization are fond of Garry or his personality.

Makhachev, the UFC's pound-for-pound king, garnered praise from Garry during the pre-fight press conference. As Makhachev answered a question about Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov's influence, Garry interrupted to say how ‘proud' the late coach would've been of him ahead of UFC 330.

In response, Makhachev told Garry to ‘Shut up' in a tense moment during the presser. Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev's longtime mentor and friend, didn't support his protege's behavior.

Khabib Nurmagomedov scolds Islam Makhachev for presser treatment of Ian Machado Garry

In a recent episode of Anatomy of a Fighter, Nurmagomedov reacted to Makhachev's surprising response to Garry's praise.

Khabib called out Islam Makhachev for telling Ian Garry to “shut up†after Ian had actually shown him respect 😂

“I paid for their English classes for one year. They learned nothing. Ian Garry, who was talking very nicely about him, he said, ‘Shut up.'

Sometimes, when you don't… pic.twitter.com/NYJN8x03IH

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 14, 2026

“I told these guys – I paid for their English classes for one year! They learned nothing,†Nurmagomedov said of Makhachev.

“Ian Garry, who was talking very nicely about him, and [Islam] says ‘Shut up'. Be nice, brother. Sometimes, when you don't like somebody, and they give you respect, at least be quiet. Don't say, ‘Shut up.â€

Makhachev seemed to take Nurmagomedov's quip in stride as he finished his final preparations for UFC 330. If he's victorious, Makhachev would eclipse Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history.

Makhachev isn't the only fighter who's annoyed with some of Garry's recent interviews. UFC welterweight Uros Medic went off on Garry after the top welterweight contender endorsed universal female leadership.

What is your prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Credit: Michelle Farsi/Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland reignited his bad blood with Ian Machado Garry ahead of UFC 330 this Saturday.

Ian Machado Garry is hours away from the biggest fight of his career against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. Makhachev and Garry headline an intriguing card in Philadelphia, featuring a matchup between the pound-for-pound king and a rising star.

Despite his accomplishments inside the Octagon, Garry has become one of the most polarizing figures outside of it in UFC fan circles. Some of his recent media interviews have ruffled some feathers, particularly after his comments about women in leadership roles.

Garry's personality hasn't been well received by some of his fighting colleagues, including Makhachev and UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. At the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference, Makhachev asserted that ‘nobody likes' Garry in the organization.

Strickland has traded barbs with Garry for years, calling the Irish star ‘fake' and shutting down a fight callout. Ahead of UFC 330, Strickland didn't hold back on Garry.

Sean Strickland reignites Ian Machado Garry feud ahead of UFC 330

In a recent tweet, Strickland taunted Garry's response to recent fan criticism ahead of UFC 330.

“Ian Garry. “Im Brazilian nowâ€. “I love my wife's bfâ€. “Women should rule the worldâ€. “I sue people who make fun of a book my wife wroteâ€. Also Garry “why dont people like me,†Strickland said of Garry.

“You're the only bad guy in the UFC who isn't bad, just a cuck.â€

As of this writing, Garry hasn't responded to Strickland.

Garry, who is big for the welterweight division, hasn't ruled out eventually fighting at middleweight during his UFC tenure. If that comes to fruition, don't be surprised if a fight between Garry and Strickland eventually happens.

What is your prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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ONE Championship

Petnamkhong Sor Maneekhot headlines his second straight card against Wanchainoi Pongsuphan PK in a strawweight Muay Thai main event at The Inner Circle 26, streaming live in Asia primetime this Friday, August 14, from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. A win would push the 22-year-old Laotian-Thai star closer to a US$100,000 main roster contract, the same prize his opponent is chasing on the other side of the ring.

Petnamkhong enters as a clear underdog against a 101-fight veteran from PK Saenchai Muaythaigym, a gap in experience he openly acknowledges without letting it shake his confidence.

“I admit that on paper, I might be the underdog in terms of technical skills and experience. But the one thing I am never an underdog in is my heart,†he said.

Petnamkhong chases redemption on a bigger stage at The Inner Circle 26

The stakes carry extra weight given what it took Petnamkhong to get back to this position. Three consecutive losses between August 2024 and February 2025 forced him into a deliberate break from competition to rebuild his confidence before returning.

Every fight since that break has ended in his favor, and a win over a veteran of Wanchainoi's caliber would represent the clearest validation yet that the turnaround is real.

“This comeback happened because of our team. Even though we are a small team, everyone worked together with unity and dedication, which pushed me to bounce back,†he said.

Beyond the contract and the record, Petnamkhong has said representing Laos on ONE Championship's global stage carries a significance that goes well beyond his own career trajectory.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM