In a highly anticipated welterweight matchup at UFC 310, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced off against Ian Machado Garry, with both fighters entering the octagon unbeaten. The bout showcased their elite skill sets, culminating in a thrilling contest that Rakhmonov ultimately won by unanimous decision with all judges scoring it 48-47 in his favor.
Rakhmonov, a 30-year-old competitor from Kazakhstan, demonstrated his renowned grappling and striking abilities. However, he was unable to extend his remarkable finishing streak, as this fight marked the first time in his career that he went the distance. Despite this, Rakhmonov’s performance was sharp enough to earn him the title of No. 1 contender for the welterweight championship held by Belal Muhammad.
Garry, a 27-year-old from Ireland, rose to the occasion after stepping in on short notice due to Muhammad’s withdrawal from the main event. He put forth an impressive display of takedown defense and head movement, making Rakhmonov work tirelessly for any advantage throughout the fight. In the final round, Garry even threatened Rakhmonov with a pair of choke attempts, highlighting his resilience and skill.
Rakhmonov acknowledged Garry’s talent, stating, “Ian Garry is a great guy, great opponent, and it showed that in the fight,” while also noting his own challenges coming off a one-year layoff.
The fight saw a back-and-forth affair with strategic exchanges: early rounds were characterized by cautious probing from both fighters, while Garry managed to steal Round 3 through effective leg kicking. Rakhmonov, however, took control in Round 4 with successful ground-and-pound strikes after finally securing a takedown. The final round featured Garry reversing Rakhmonov’s takedown attempt, showcasing his own grappling prowess.
After the bout, Rakhmonov was keen to face off against Muhammad, who was present at ringside. Muhammad expressed confidence in his upcoming bout against Rakhmonov, suggesting that the crowd’s initial boos would turn into tears as he aims to maintain his title.
This matchup not only highlighted Rakhmonov’s readiness for a title shot but also showcased Garry’s potential as a formidable contender in the future. The fight promises exciting implications for the welterweight division, with both fighters eager to continue their respective journeys.
Overall, this fight served as a testament to the talent present in the UFC welterweight division, leaving fans hopeful for future matchups that continue to excite and entertain.