"Cringe" - Michael Bisping cites "caveat" of Ian Machado Garry's behavior with Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry has often elicited criticism and praise -- many fans and experts say in somewhat equal measure -- for his public persona. 

MMA legend Michael Bisping recently came to his defense, albeit whilst also acknowledging the detractors who've deemed Garry's behavior "cringe." 

Ian Machado Garry, oft-criticized for his affable demeanor with opponents, sparked controversy against Islam Makhachev at UFC 330

Ian Machado Garry has time and again been lambasted by certain sections of the MMA community, with his critics accusing him of adopting an overly friendly attitude in an attempt at gamesmanship to faze his opponents.

His recent fight against Islam Makhachev appears to have placed a spotlight on this longstanding accusation against the Irishman. Makhachev defended his UFC welterweight title by besting him via unanimous decision in the headlining match of UFC 330 on August 15. 

"The Future" earned praise from a number of viewers for giving the pound-for-pound great Makhachev a tough fight. Nevertheless, right from his fight-week interactions, including the pre-fight press conference, to the fight and its aftermath -- Garry was derided for displaying what some felt was a bizarrely over-friendly attitude with Makhachev. 

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping dissects Ian Machado Garry's behavior with Islam Makhachev

In a recent edition of the JAXXON Podcast, former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping, ex-UFC bantamweight kingpin TJ Dillashaw, and former UFC flyweight titleholder and ONE flyweight titlist Demetrious Johnson addressed Ian Machado Garry's actions. 

In response to podcast host Bear Degidio seemingly asking about whether Garry's behavior at the UFC 330 pre-fight press conference was "cringe," Bisping responded: 

"Yeah. A little cringe, at times. However, there's a caveat. That's just him. And he's being him. And don't change it." 

For his part, "The Count" indicated that Garry was unbothered by the boos, noting that he at least claims to be and perhaps might secretly be affected by them. Regardless, he highlighted both sides of the argument. 

Bisping implied that although Garry's acts may come across as odd to some, he needn't change himself and must stay true to who he is. 

The fighter-turned-commentator and analyst explained, "He had a good attitude after the fight. And it might be irritating to a lot of people. But if that's who he is, scr*w them all. Because, ultimately, none of those people matter. We don't matter in his life. All that matters is what he makes in his bank account from this, the legacy that he has, his wife, his kids, his family, those around him." 

Bisping continued, "And to be honest -- yeah, it might be on the whatever side. But it's not bad. It's a bit cringe." 

It's noteworthy that UFC welterweight kingpin Islam Makhachev gave props to Ian Machado Garry for his fighting prowess. The Dagestani MMA star also did, during his post-fight press conference segment, question Garry's repeated overt displays of chumminess. 

As for Garry, he's vowed to learn from his points defeat against Makhachev, rebuild, and resume his quest to capture UFC welterweight gold. 

Watch Michael Bisping discuss Ian Machado Garry's behavior opposite Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 below (*comments at the 1:00-minute mark of the video):