At UFC 310, Ian Machado Garry faced his first professional defeat against Shavkat Rakhmonov. The highly anticipated co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas concluded with Rakhmonov winning by unanimous decision, scoring 48-47 from all judges, and maintaining his unbeaten record at 16-0.
Both fighters entered the bout with a mutual respect as former training partners, showcasing a strategic fight with minimal risks. Garry, known for his technical striking, struggled to find his rhythm against Rakhmonov’s game plan, which focused on grinding him against the cage and delivering precise punches.
Round 3 marked Garry’s most effective segment, where he managed to land some strikes after separating from Rakhmonov. Interestingly, Garry had a wardrobe change between Rounds 3 and 4 due to an apparent malfunction, which could be a first in UFC history.
In the fourth round, Rakhmonov succeeded in taking Garry down, applying pressure and delivering ground strikes while they exchanged grappling techniques. The final round saw a dramatic shift as Garry secured Rakhmonov’s back and almost locked in a rear-naked choke, but Rakhmonov’s resilience allowed him to escape and finish the fight standing.
With this victory, Rakhmonov is expected to face Belal Muhammad for a title shot, while Garry looks to rebound from his first professional loss with the maturity and insight that such experiences often provide.
UFC 310 also featured several other exciting results, including Ciryl Gane’s split decision victory over Alexander Volkov and Bryce Mitchell’s knockout win over Kron Gracie.
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of combat sports, where every fighter, regardless of their past success, can encounter challenges that shape their future. Fans and fighters alike can look forward to Garry’s next steps as he processes this temporary setback and works toward continued growth in his career.