Ian Garry Was Too Focused on Islam’s Approval #ufc
Ian Garry didn't lose because he lacked skill.
Chael Sonnen believes the bigger issue was mindset.
Throughout the fight, Chael saw Garry repeatedly seeking Islam Makhachev's approval instead of treating him like the man standing between him and a UFC championship.
Garry praised Islam as the greatest fighter in the world. He continued reaching out to him between rounds and after the fight. Meanwhile, Islam was telling him to stop talking.
For Chael, that's the problem.
When you're fighting someone at this level, respect is one thing. But you're not there to make your opponent like you. You're there to take the championship from him.
Chael believes Garry didn't behave like a young fighter who had come into the Octagon prepared to take the title by force.
And that's especially important when you're losing rounds.
Once a round is gone, you can't get it back. There is no reason to spend that time worrying about how the other team perceives you.
The comparison to the famous Khabib-C