Ian Machado Garry vs Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 310
Ian Machado Garry vs Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 310
By Tim Burke November 21, 2024 18:45
UFC 310's originally scheduled main event between welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov canceled due to a foot injury suffered by the champion. Rakhmonov, one of the UFC's most exciting up-and-comers, insisted he remains on the card. Rumors circulated that former champion Kamaru Usman would replace the current champion at UFC 310. However, it was finally announced ahead of UFC 309 that Ian Machado Garry will take on ShavkatRakhmonov in what is seemingly a #1 contender bout for the welterweight championship.
"I'm very disappointed in our division. Belal, Leon, Colby, Kamaru, Jack, Sean - you've all let fans down. The only one who backs up his words is Ian, and I respect that. But make no mistake, Ian, I'm coming for your 0 and will fight for the belt after." Shavkat posted on X following the fight announcement.
Similar to Rakhmonov, Machado Garry is a young, undefeated, up-and-coming fighter with championship aspirations. The 27-year-old Irishman is 15-0 with eight finishes in his MMA career, compared to Rakhmonov's 18-0 with 18 finishes. The Kazakh fighter has won his fights more impressively and dominatingly and is the favorite to win the match on December 7th. However, Ian Machado Garry cannot be counted out.
One of the UFC's most polarizing stars, Machado Garry possesses a high fight IQ and controls the distance in the octagon exceptionally well. He has also begun to improve his grappling significantly since he started training with Charles Oliveira at Chute Boxing Academy in Brazil in January.
"I think that they're both going to be very familiar with each other, and I will go out on a limb and say I think this fight goes to a decision. I think these guys are familiar with each other enough to where they're going to negate a few of the attacks, and it's going to be a matter of who can come in there and throw a new wrinkle into their game to throw off the opponent." UFC fighter Michael Chiesa told MMA Junkie when discussing how the sparring history between these two fighters translates to their fight at UFC 310.
Both fighters are excellent strikers and grapplers and two of the most promising fighters in the welterweight division and on the UFC roster. Both fighters have long careers ahead of them with bright futures. However, only one fighter will separate themselves into championship contention at UFC 310.
The upcoming match between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry on December 7th marks a pivotal moment in the welterweight division, as both fighters aim to establish themselves as the top contenders for the championship. With Rakhmonov's flawless record and impressive finishes and Machado Garry's tactical prowess and recent improvements, fans can expect an intense clash of skill and strategy, making UFC 310's new co-main event a must-watch.