Undefeated giant recalls the beginning of his rivalry with Ian Garry after disrespect backstage at the UFC: 'I got angry'

Ian Gary faces Carlos Prates No. UFC Kansas City. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

MichaelMorales still harbors resentment over an incident, with Ian Gary, experienced behind the scenes of the UFC. Today established as one of the main names in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg), the Ecuadorian gained definitive prominence after knocking out Sean brady No. UFC 322Although his main goal is a title fight against Islam makhachevThe 'Spider-Man of Ecuador' fuels a rivalry with the Irishman that began outside the octagon and intends not to waste it. any opportunity to resolve the situation inside the cage.

In an interview with the 'Hablemos MMA' channel, Morales recalled that the incident occurred in 2022 at the UFC Performance Institute, a period when he had just joined the league. According to the fighter, Ian Gary He was preparing for a fight and, while passing through the sauna area, allegedly made disrespectful comments directed at his friends.

“It was a long time ago, I think around 2022. I was joining the UFC. He (Ian Gardner) was preparing to fight someone from China. We were in the bathrooms at the PI (Performance Institute), then I went out to get a drink of water and didn't see him coming in. He said something like (to my friends): 'why were they using the sauna, because only real fighters should be there'. It was something like that, a comment of that kind. When I was going in, he was leaving, as if he was going to complain somewhere. We only saw each other out of the corner of our eyes, nothing more than that,” said Morales.

According to Morales, after learning about the incident through his friends, he decided to confront Garry to understand the reason for his behavior. However, the Irishman allegedly avoided dialogue, responded curtly in English, and ignored any attempt at conversation.

“When I went in, my friends were already starting to leave, and that’s when they told me he had said that. When I went out to confront him, to ask why he was kicking people out, he started speaking in English, said a strange word, as if he didn’t want to talk, kind of tried to ignore us,” the Ecuadorian continued.

According to the South American prospect, the situation worsened when, as they were leaving the scene, Garry allegedly made one last provocative comment, which sparked strong irritation in the Ecuadorian and the urge to engage in physical confrontation.

“I thought, ‘no, forget it.’ But when we were already leaving, he said something like, ‘don’t come back,’ something like that. That’s when I got really angry, wanting to fight him. That’s where this rivalry started,” he concluded. MichaelMorales.

Michael Morales hopes for an opportunity to face Ian Garry in the UFC.

Hurt by the episode in PI, MichaelMorales states that Ian Gary He doesn't deserve to be respected and revealed his desire to face the Irishman inside the UFC octagon.

"Then, (Ian Gary"He's a fighter who doesn't deserve respect. And I want to fight him. I really want to fight him. Whether it's after the title fight or before, it doesn't matter. I could even be champion. And if I become champion, I would still ask for that fight," he said. MichaelMorales in the interview.