At UFC 310, held in Las Vegas, Ian Machado Garry faced Shavkat Rakhmonov in a much-anticipated co-main event. Despite a valiant effort and a late push in the final round, Garry suffered his first defeat as Rakhmonov claimed victory by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 48-47 in Rakhmonov’s favor. This win preserved Rakhmonov’s unbeaten record, bringing him to 19-0, while Garry’s record now stands at 15-1. Notably, Garry became the first fighter to take Rakhmonov to the final bell.
Originally, Rakhmonov was scheduled to contend for the welterweight title against champion Belal Muhammad, but an injury forced Muhammad to withdraw, paving the way for Garry to step into the ring. Rakhmonov now holds the position of No. 1 contender in the welterweight division, setting the stage for a future title fight against Muhammad.
In the main event, Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his flyweight title against Japan’s Kai Asakura, submitting him in the second round. Pantoja showcased his grappling skills, catching Asakura in a rear-naked choke that rendered him unconscious, further solidifying his dominance in the division. Pantoja has now defeated several of the top-ranked contenders and continues to be a formidable champion.
Commenting on the event, UFC 310 highlighted not only the competition among some of the best fighters in the world but also the resilience and sportsmanship shown by both Garry and Rakhmonov. Fans witnessed the ongoing narrative of emerging fighters like Garry stepping up to challenges while established champions like Pantoja solidify their legacies.
Looking ahead, Garry’s loss could serve as a significant learning experience, allowing him to adjust and strengthen his game for future matchups. Ultimately, the event underlined the excitement and unpredictability that makes UFC fights compelling, and the potential for future battles leaves fans eager for what’s next in these divisions.