Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo has strongly criticized Ian Machado Garry's behavior surrounding his title fight against Islam Makhachev.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Makhachev successfully defended his UFC welterweight title against the Irish challenger at UFC 330, earning a unanimous decision victory.
Cejudo was particularly unhappy with what he viewed as Garry showing excessive respect toward the champion before and after their fight.
"It was funny watching Garry's behavior. He was looking up to Islam, kissing him and hugging him. How can the UFC want him to become champion? How do you promote a guy like that?" Cejudo told MMA Junkie.
The former two-division UFC champion suggested that Garry appeared more concerned with being liked than creating the competitive tension expected from a fighter challenging for the title.
"I feel like he wants to be famous and wants everybody to like him. His behavior annoyed me. After something like that, it's difficult to root for him. What is this, a kids' party with hugs or MMA fighting? Get into the Octagon and try to kick your opponent's ass. This isn't sparring, and the guy standing across from you isn't your training partner," he added.
Cejudo also believes Garry's attitude could have consequences for his immediate championship ambitions. In his view, the UFC may be reluctant to offer the Irishman another title opportunity after only one victory.
"I think it will be a while before the UFC gives Garry another title shot because of the way he approached that moment. It's not the UFC's fault that he behaved so strangely. But now the promotion can't just tell him he'll be back in contention after one win. He showed the champion too much respect. Even Islam was surprised," Cejudo said.
The defeat ended Garry's bid to dethrone Makhachev, while the Russian retained his place at the top of the UFC welterweight division.
