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Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has defended Ian Machado Garry after recent criticism from UFC boss Dana White.

It’s safe to say that Ian Machado Garry isn’t the biggest fan favorite in the mixed martial arts community. It didn’t help, then, that the Irishman opted to show a great deal of respect to Islam Makhachev before, after and even during their recent UFC 330 main event clash in Philadelphia.

RELATED: Dana White criticizes Ian Machado Garry for his lack of killer instinct at UFC 330

One man who has been by the side of Ian Machado Garry is Eddie Hearn, who Ian recently signed with. Dana White, however, wasn’t so kind after UFC 330, and he even hinted that we may not see Machado Garry get another title opportunity for quite some time.

In a recent interview, Eddie Hearn defended Ian Machado Garry, as you would expect.

Hearn’s view on White’s Ian Machado Garry criticism

“Ian is a fascinating character… I get the opinion of someone like Dana saying ‘oh he’s too nice, he’s showing too much respect’.

“But that is Ian, he is not going to switch and start shouting and being disrespectful. Katie Taylor also isn’t going to do that. So in that instance you have to embrace the personality and the athlete that is Ian Machado Garry.

“He’s a very respectful guy who respects Islam a lot and he was just being honest. Now should he have gone for it in the fifth? Listen, it was a close fight, it wasn’t like he was outclassed because it was a close, close fight and he is a tremendous talent.”

Quotes via Bloody Elbow

What do you believe the next move should be for Machado Garry in the UFC? Will he ever become a world champion in the promotion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

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