What unfolded backstage at UFC Qatar was not a simple scuffle—it was a collision between two personalities shaped by ego, ambition, and the shifting power dynamics within the UFC.
1. From calm exchange to sudden escalation
Garry, still glowing from his win, greets Tsarukyan and his team.
Everything appears respectful, even warm.
Chimaev joins in briefly, neutral and composed.
Then security steps in—and everything flips.
Chimaev switches instantly into aggression mode, pushing Garry and igniting a confrontation that spills into the press conference and social media.
Ian Garry recounts the incident with Khamzat:
“I went to congratulate Arman, and Khamzat was with him.I said,How are you,champ? When’s your next fight?’ He said ‘soon’and walked away.Then,in a very childish move,he pushed me despite security being there.I said, ‘It’s fine,nothing pic.twitter.com/7UxewIzznH— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) November 23, 2025
2. The deleted threat: revealing more than intended
His message on X:
“Little white boy, you wouldn’t survive a minute in my world.”
It was violent, unnecessary, but above all revealing:
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a need to intimidate
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an emotional reaction rather than a strategic one
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a sign that Garry’s rise irritates him more than expected
Its quick deletion suggests regret—or intervention from above.
3. Chimaev’s comments: an attempt to undermine Garry
Calling him “a fake Conor” is not analysis—it’s insecurity.
Chimaev sees Garry gaining traction and tries to cut him down before the momentum builds.
4. Garry’s counterattack: the most effective strike of the night
“You’re the world champion — why do you need to prove you’re tough?”
A clean psychological hit.
It exposes Chimaev’s anger issues, his emotional volatility, and undermines his aura of invincibility.
5. The beginning of a major rivalry?
All signs point in that direction:
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Garry plans to move up to middleweight
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Chimaev thrives on conflict
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the UFC loves heated storylines
The Qatar incident is not the end—it’s the spark.
