UFC fighter Ian Machado Garry has responded to Sean Strickland‘s recent comments about him and his wife, expressing his desire to make Strickland answer for his words in the octagon, while also suggesting that Strickland needs to deal with his own issues before attacking others.
Ian Machado Garry’s got a bone to pick with Sean Strickland. But, he also thinks the UFC middleweight champ could use a hug.
Garry fired back at Strickland’s recent comments about him and his wife, Layla, on Monday. He also shared his side of a run-in at the UFC Performance Institute. Strickland had previously revealed this incident during one of his many verbal attacks.
Garry’s take on the incident? “It was a scene,” he said on The MMA Hour. “More of a glance, really. He was shuffled into a lift, and that was it. He had a smirk on his face, and I yelled something at him. I can’t remember what it was, but it just came out before I could even think.”
He continued, “My body went into fight mode, and then the lift doors closed. There wasn’t much to it, to be honest.”
Strickland’s version of events isn’t too different. He agreed that the UFC prevented a physical confrontation with Garry, a standout welterweight. Strickland had some choice words for Garry, mixing insults with backhanded compliments.
Garry admitted his response to Strickland at the UFC PI was instinctual. He couldn’t remember what he said, but it definitely wasn’t an olive branch. He’s not sure what would’ve happened if he’d gotten close to Strickland, but he knows he wouldn’t have thrown a punch.
“I would’ve talked to him, for sure,” Garry said. “I wouldn’t start throwing hands with the guy. I’m a better person than that. I’d rather rise above all the crap that was said. I’d tell him, ‘I feel sorry for you, man. I feel sorry that you’re so hurt that you’re attacking everyone else.'”
Garry later responded to Strickland’s emotional interview with Theo Von. He pointed out the hypocrisy in Strickland declaring talk of child abuse off-limits while attacking him and his family.
Garry’s main point? Strickland’s behavior is more than just distasteful. It’s wrong.
“I don’t care what happened in his past,” Garry said. “Don’t project your pain onto others or their families because you can’t handle it properly.”
He added, “The UFC PI has mental health resources. Use them. Talk about your issues. Release them. Attacking other people’s families because of your childhood trauma is unfair and inexcusable. You don’t have a reason to hurt others because you’re hurting. That’s my take on it.”
Garry’s had to do a lot of processing about Strickland and the negativity directed at him and his family. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s necessary for him to move forward. He plans to make Strickland answer for his words in the octagon.
In the meantime, Garry suggests Strickland find a better way to promote fights. He believes the champ is already learning the consequences of toxic talk.
“Don’t talk about anyone else like that,” Garry said. “Deal with your issues first. If you’re living in a glass house, protect it before you start throwing stones at others.”