Morning Report | Henry Cejudo doubts Ian Machado Garry gets another title shot: ‘How would the UFC want him as champion?’

Henry Cejudo has publicly questioned whether Ian Machado Garry will ever get another UFC title opportunity following his failed welterweight championship bid against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330.

Garry's performance drew criticism not just for its competitive nature but for his demeanor throughout the bout. Rather than aggressively pursuing the title, Garry spent much of the fight embracing Makhachev, exchanging pleasantries, and appearing overly respectful to his opponent. UFC CEO Dana White singled out the challenger for lacking "killer instinct," while Makhachev himself expressed bewilderment at the dynamic, telling Garry, "This is not a game."

Cejudo, a former two-division UFC champion and Olympic wrestler, drew from his own career to critique Garry's approach. Cejudo built his fighting persona around "cringe" antics and trash talk designed to capture attention and sell fights—tactics he acknowledges weren't universally beloved but accomplished their goal. By contrast, Garry's respectful, people-pleasing demeanor, while admirable in personal terms, fails to generate the promotional interest and competitive fire necessary at the championship level, in Cejudo's view.

"How would the UFC want him as a champion?" Cejudo asked, questioning whether an organization could effectively market a fighter more interested in being liked than in dominance. Cejudo emphasized that Garry's attitude—his apparent desire for approval over victory—represents a fundamental mismatch with what championship fighting demands. He suggested Garry should abandon his diplomatic approach and instead "talk shit, try to beat his ass" rather than "hug him and kiss him."

Cejudo stopped short of blaming the UFC entirely, placing responsibility squarely on Garry himself. However, he warned that if the promotion grants Garry another immediate title shot based on a single win, that decision would fall on UFC leadership. Prior to losing to Makhachev, Garry had won 10 consecutive UFC fights, including victories over former champion Belal Muhammad and top contender Carlos Prates—credentials typically warranting another title opportunity. But Cejudo believes Garry's in-cage conduct has disqualified him from that privilege, at least for now.