The highly anticipated clash at UFC 310 is set to determine a new contender in the welterweight division as two undefeated fighters, Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov, step into the octagon. With reigning champion Belal Muhammad sidelined due to a serious foot infection, the stakes have never been higher for these two fighters, each of whom possesses an unblemished record. This match-up not only carries the promise of entertainment but also the weight of potential title implications.
Belal Muhammad’s unforeseen absence from the title fight against Rakhmonov has sent ripples through the welterweight division. Originally poised to defend his championship on December 7, Muhammad’s health crisis catalyzed waves of reshuffling among contenders. Rakhmonov, eager to remain active and not miss an opportunity, quickly pivoted from his initial fight goals and called for an interim title bout against former champion Kamaru Usman.
Meanwhile, two other contenders, Ian Machado Garry and Joaquin Buckley, seized the moment as potential challengers. Ultimately, the UFC decided on Garry to face Rakhmonov in what is anticipated to be a thrilling co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This decision underscores Garry’s rising star status in the promotion after scoring a unanimous decision victory over Michael Page earlier in the year at UFC 303.
Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this matchup boasting an impressive record of 18 victories with no defeats, having recently showcased his grappling prowess by submitting Stephen Thompson at UFC 296. The victory not only underlined his technical abilities but also placed him firmly in conversations surrounding the welterweight title picture. Rakhmonov has expressed his disappointment with the current landscape of the division, suggesting that not enough fighters are eager to take risks and engage in high-stakes bouts. By labeling Garry as the only worthy opponent willing to face him, he has added an element of personal rivalry to an already intense matchup.
On the other hand, Ian Machado Garry has been on a meteoric rise, boasting a record of 15-0. His blend of striking skills and tactical acumen has made him a fan favorite, and he is fully aware of the monumental implications of this bout. A victory here would not only preserve his undefeated status but also secure him a shot at the welterweight belt once Muhammad is cleared to return to action.
Looking beyond the main event, UFC 310 has drawn attention for its intriguing lineup, featuring other bouts that promise to captivate audiences. Notably, Alexandre Pantoja faces Kai Asakura for the flyweight title, and notable names like Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov are set to clash in heavyweight action. With a myriad of matchups, UFC 310 positions itself as a crucial event, potentially reshaping the title landscape across multiple divisions.
The implications of the fight between Garry and Rakhmonov extend well beyond the octagon, setting the stage for who will be the one to challenge Muhammad for superiority in the welterweight division. With both fighters undefeated and highly motivated, fans are poised for an electrifying showdown that could alter the trajectory of their careers and the division at large.