The anticipation surrounding the upcoming welterweight bout between Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov is electrifying. Scheduled for December 7 at UFC 310, this five-round contest pits two fighters who share an undefeated record: Garry (15-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) and Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC). While both fighters have demonstrated their prowess inside the Octagon, the stakes of this matchup elevate its significance, making it one of the most eagerly awaited events in recent MMA history.
Joaquin Buckley, a seasoned fighter himself (20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), recently weighed in on the matchup. Originally set to face Machado Garry, Buckley was pulled from that opportunity just before Garry stepped in against Rakhmonov. His perspective carries weight; Buckley foresees Garry using his movement and strategy to narrowly secure a win. “I think Ian Garry is going to win – by the skin of his teeth just like the rest of his wins,” he stated, indicating that he believes Garry’s style will be a significant factor in the fight.
Buckley elaborated on the importance of footwork and evasiveness in Garry’s game plan. Endless movement is critical against a puncher like Rakhmonov, who has the ability to finish opponents with decisive strikes. Buckley’s analysis suggests that Garry may embrace a hit-and-run strategy, enforcing his agility to evade severe damage. This raises an intriguing question: can Garry effectively maintain his distance while accumulating points over five rounds?
There is no denying that Rakhmonov poses a substantial threat to Garry. With a reputation for finishing fights—often making it look effortless—he thrives in aggressive exchanges. Buckley highlights the inherent risk in mixing it up with Rakhmonov, stating, “If you get in the fire with Shavkat Rakhmonov, you’re going to get burned.” Garry’s ability to avoid this “fire” and navigate through the contest without putting his chin on the line will arguably dictate the outcome of the fight.
Despite Buckley’s faith in Garry’s tactical abilities, the unpredictability of MMA should not be underestimated. Even the most calculated fighters can find themselves caught in an unforeseen predicament. Rakhmonov has shown he can capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, and it’s this factor that could make or break Garry’s performance.
While Joaquin Buckley has his eye on the Garry-Rakhmonov bout, he is also preparing for a significant match of his own against former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington on December 14. This opportunity, though not originally aligned with his plans, underscores the fluidity and dynamic nature of MMA. Both fighters face pivotal moments that could redefine their careers.
As UFC 310 approaches, the intrigue surrounding Garry versus Rakhmonov will only intensify. Fans will be left on the edge of their seats, pondering whether Garry’s evasiveness can outlast Rakhmonov’s aggression or if the latter will find a way to dismantle Garry’s strategy. In this rapidly evolving sport, only time will tell the winner in this high-stakes confrontation.