Ian Garry confronts Michael Morales at UFC 330: ‘Make sure you back it up’

Ian Garry’s failed title bid didn’t deter him from lecturing Michael Morales backstage.

Morales (19-0) was in attendance when Garry (17-2) challenged Islam Makhachev (29-1) for the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title in the main event of UFC 330. Despite suffering a unanimous decision loss, Garry gave Makhachev a tough test and took a moment backstage to talk to potentially the next challenger to the 170-pound title, Morales, who weighed in as a backup for UFC 330.

Ian Garry calls for new wave of fighters to avoid trash talk while confronting Michael Morales
Garry confronted Morales backstage about their recent feud while the undefeated Ecuadorian barely responded.

“All the s*** you talk, it's OK. Make sure you back it up,” Garry said. “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?”

Garry then talked up Morales before once again urging him to avoid trash talk.

“You're an animal,” Garry added. “You're strong. I don't know about any story where I've met you and I've talked sh*t to you. In this sport, people talk sh*t; I ignore it. You're a good fighter. You're young, you're strong up here, and that means you can do anything. That makes sense? Spread good, do good. You knock people out, you beat people up, that's what gets respect. There are too many people in this sport talking sh*t, being negative. We’re the new generation of the sport; change it.”

The beef started with an alleged altercation between Garry and a teammate of Morales at the UFC Performance Institute. Morales later claimed that Garry had already left when he arrived at the P.I. to back his friend. While Morales is rallying for the next welterweight title shot, Makhachev considers Carlos Prates the most deserving contender.