On February 3, 2026, Ian Machado Garry sparked controversy by mocking UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa’s losing streak on social media. The comment came after Tuivasa set an unfortunate UFC heavyweight record for the most consecutive losses in the division, highlighting the Australian fighter’s ongoing struggles inside the octagon.
Garry, ranked third in the UFC welterweight division, took aim at Tuivasa following the latter’s sixth straight defeat at UFC 325, a skid that dates back almost four years with no wins since February 2022. The Irish contender’s remarks, however, were later deleted amid backlash from MMA fans.
Details of Tuivasa’s Record-Setting Losing Streak
Tai Tuivasa’s six consecutive UFC losses include defeats against top heavyweights Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, Marcin Tybura, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, and Tallison Teixeira. This streak has landed him the unwanted status of holding the record for the longest losing streak in UFC heavyweight history.
While Tuivasa’s career has faced a significant downturn, Ian Garry’s recent trajectory contrasts sharply. Garry, whose only defeat came against Shavkat Rakhmonov, has secured multiple victories and is positioning himself for a UFC Welterweight Title shot. Despite some UFC officials labeling him “boring,” Garry continues to close in on the championship opportunity.
The unhealthy dynamic sparked when Garry retweeted an MMA Junkie post about Tuivasa’s record, captioning it, “What a record to break.” This social media jab, though brief, was viewed as insensitive, especially given there is no direct rivalry or personal animosity between the two fighters.
Backlash and Social Media Fallout for Garry
The reaction to Garry’s comment was swift and negative. Many fans expressed disapproval, leading Garry to delete the post to stem the growing wave of criticism. Despite the backlash, Garry has yet to issue a formal apology to Tuivasa.
The Portmarnock fighter’s intentions may not have been malicious, but UFC followers largely saw the tweets as unnecessary and harsh. With Garry awaiting his title shot after his November victory over former champion Belal Muhammad, some commentators suggest he could be venting frustration over his stalled position in the welterweight rankings.
Potential Welterweight Title Shot and Future Battles
Following his win against Belal Muhammad, Garry is expected to challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Welterweight Title, possibly later this year. However, the path to the belt might require another win first, as contenders like Jack Della Maddalena, Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Carlos Prates remain active in the division.
Reports have surfaced of Makhachev’s camp hesitating to accept a fight against Garry, with Garry himself hinting at managerial reluctance. Meanwhile, ongoing injuries to Shavkat Rakhmonov and shifting matchups keep the welterweight title picture uncertain. Ben Asken, a former fighter, supports Garry’s claim that he has earned his shot, but UFC President Dana White’s decision will ultimately determine the timing of the title opportunity.
Significance of the Incident and its Impact on UFC Dynamics
Ian Garry’s social media misstep shines a light on tensions within MMA as fighters navigate pressures both inside and outside the cage. While Garry is climbing towards a championship, his public criticism of Tai Tuivasa’s misfortune reveals the unforgiving nature of professional fighting and the sensitivities around athletes’ performances.
Tuivasa’s record-breaking losing streak marks a low point in a promising career, underscoring the challenges heavyweight contenders face at the sport’s highest level. Garry’s deleted post serves as a reminder that public figures must balance competitiveness with respect, especially when discussing fellow fighters’ setbacks.
As the UFC continues to evolve, attention will be on how both Garry and Tuivasa respond in their upcoming bouts, with Garry aiming for title glory and Tuivasa seeking to break his losing spell and rebuild his standing in the heavyweight division.
Ian Machado Garry wants to beat the best in order to become the best🔥
🎥 @iangarry pic.twitter.com/CkuHJEXv8b
— Fighters Only (@FightersOnly) January 28, 2026
Ian Garry takes a cheap shot at Tai Tuivasa via X:
“What a record to break.” ☠️
Via: @iangarryMMA / Graphic @mmaonpoint #UFC325 pic.twitter.com/gLjVOhs5Ig
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) February 2, 2026
Ian Garry hints that Ali Abdelaziz has turned down Islam Makhachev vs Ian Garry again:
“Someone’s manager sounds like he is worried 👀”
— Ian Garry via Threads pic.twitter.com/0UC4Lnuk9l
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) January 31, 2026
