UFC Qatar is over. With a beautiful arm-triangle choke, Arman Tsarukyan neutralized Dan Hooker’s threat, one that could have potentially derailed a future matchup against champion Ilia Topuria. In the co-main event, Ian Machado Garry once again delivered a superlative performance, securing a unanimous decision over former champion Belal Muhammad. With the majority of the bouts ending via early stoppage, UFC Fight Night 265 wrapped up on a high note. However, an incident is likely to rob some of the sheen from the event at the ABHA Arena.

Things took a dramatic turn when Ian Garry and middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev nearly came to blows. The backstage drama began when the Irish MMA star appeared to congratulate Arman Tsarukyan. But when he later approached Chimaev, it seemingly rubbed the champion, who was in Tsarukyan’s corner, the wrong way. Thankfully, security personnel intervened promptly, diffusing the situation before it escalated. Later, at the post-fight press conference, Chimaev offered his version of the incident. As far as he’s concerned, Garry’s cameo was nothing short of an attempt to mimic Conor McGregor‘s famous antics.

Khamzat Chimaev breaks down his clash with Ian Garry

Holding a mike, Arman Tsarukyan was watching closely as Khamzat Chimaev spilled the beans on the squabble. “Don’t punch somebody from behind. He’s tapping my back. If you want to show respect, respectfully touch somebody,” he said, explaining how Ian Garry probably came with the intent to hype up things.

“You know that guy, trying to be Conor, but he’s never going to be Conor. He’s a sh*t fighter,” the middleweight champion remarked. Things initially looked normal as Garry and Chimaev met. Chimaev even patted the Irishman on the back. But it appears security sensed trouble brewing. One of the officers stepped in front of Chimaev just as Garry turned back toward him. “He’s not gonna fight me,” Garry told the security staff.

Moments later, however, Garry looked directly at Chimaev and asked, “What’s wrong?” In response, Chimaev shoved him hard. The push prompted teammate Arman Tsarukyan to intervene. As security separated the two fighters, Garry was heard shouting, “That’s just childish. You’re meant to be a champion in this sport… Your friend just won; don’t ruin his victory…Arman, congratulations.”

Fortunately, the altercation was quelled before it turned ugly. The celebratory mood around Tsarukyan’s win likely prevailed.

Garry’s version and his plans ahead

Later, at the post-fight press conference, Ian Machado Garry offered his perspective. He insisted that Khamzat Chimaev should display conduct befitting a world champion. “You’re the champion of the world. No one needs to see you be tough. You don’t need to have these anger management issues. Just be a man,” Garry said.

Perhaps it would be best to bury the incident and move forward.

Garry has already set his sights on the welterweight division’s newly crowned king, Islam Makhachev. “I just beat the number one ranked welterweight on the planet, Bal Muhammad, former champion. There is nobody else above him other than the world champion, Islam Makhachev. Belal couldn’t take me down. So, Islam, you try to take me down,” he said during his post-fight cage interview with Michael Bisping.

For Chimaev, who defeated Dricus Du Plessis three months ago, things appear a bit uncertain. Hoping for an April return next year, he revealed that he may need surgery on his foot.

What’s your take? Do you think Ian Garry is prepared for Islam Makhachev?