Khabib Tells Islam Makhachev to ‘Be Nice’ After UFC 330 Garry Exchange

Khabib Nurmagomedov had a hilarious reaction after his longtime friend and training partner Islam Makhachev snapped at Ian Machado Garry during the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference.

Makhachev was discussing what his late coach Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov might have thought about his achievements in MMA when Garry attempted to interrupt. Although Garry was reportedly complimenting Makhachev, the UFC welterweight champion did not appreciate being interrupted and told the Irishman to shut up.

Khabib Nurmagomedov tells Islam Makhachev to be nice

Following the press conference, documentary filmmaker Will Harris asked Makhachev about the exchange with Garry. The Russian explained that the noise inside the venue made it difficult for him to hear what was being said on stage.

Khabib then humorously stepped into the conversation and reminded Makhachev that Garry had apparently been speaking positively about him.

“Be nice, brother,” Khabib told Makhachev, joking about the situation and recalling his efforts to help his fighters improve their English.

Makhachev explained that the atmosphere at the press conference made communication difficult. He also argued that Garry should have waited until he had finished speaking before jumping into the conversation.

Why Islam Makhachev told Ian Machado Garry to shut up

Makhachev’s reaction appeared to stem from the difficulty of hearing during the noisy press conference rather than a major personal dispute with Garry.

The UFC champion explained that even he could struggle to hear his own words when the crowd becomes extremely loud. From his perspective, being interrupted while answering a question made the situation more difficult.

Garry’s comments were reportedly complimentary, but Makhachev wanted to finish his answer before allowing another fighter to speak.

Islam Makhachev identifies Ian Machado Garry’s potential weakness

While Makhachev has acknowledged Garry’s abilities ahead of UFC 330, he also believes the Irishman has a potential weakness that could be exploited during their title fight.

During an interview with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev pointed to Garry’s previous defeat against Shavkat Rakhmonov. The Russian suggested that Garry can experience difficulties when an opponent applies constant pressure and successfully takes him down.

Makhachev believes Garry is a skilled fighter but noted that he is not undefeated and has previously struggled against an opponent who was able to pressure him and control the fight on the ground.

UFC 330 marks a major test for both fighters

UFC 330 is scheduled for August 15 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The event represents an important moment in both fighters’ careers.

For Makhachev, the contest marks his first defense of the UFC welterweight championship. Garry, meanwhile, enters the bout with his first opportunity to capture UFC gold.

The matchup also presents a stylistic challenge. Makhachev is known for his elite grappling and ability to control opponents, while Garry has built his reputation around his striking, movement and ability to fight at range.

Khabib and Makhachev remain closely connected

The exchange at the press conference also highlighted the close relationship between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Makhachev. Khabib has frequently supported Makhachev throughout his UFC career, while Makhachev has continued to carry forward many elements of the Dagestani fighting system.

The light-hearted interaction showed that despite the intensity surrounding UFC 330, the two remain comfortable joking with each other even during fight week.

Bottom line

Khabib Nurmagomedov jokingly called on Islam Makhachev to “be nice” after the UFC champion told Ian Machado Garry to shut up during their UFC 330 press conference exchange.

Makhachev later explained that the loud crowd made it difficult to hear Garry, while also insisting that fighters should not interrupt one another during answers. With the welterweight title on the line, their verbal exchange has added another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated UFC 330 matchup.