As the excitement builds for UFC 310, the spotlight shines on an intriguing matchup in the welterweight division, featuring Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov, both of whom have yet to taste defeat. Scheduled as the co-main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, their battle is not just another fight—it’s a clash of titans who are both viewed as title contenders in the near future. Garry, with a spotless professional record of 15 wins and no losses, boasts an impressive 8-0 UFC tenure. Meanwhile, Rakhmonov stands at 18-0 MMA, with a perfect 6-0 run in the UFC thus far.
This matchup takes on even greater significance as insights from their training environment reveal a camaraderie tinged with competition. Garry disclosed that Henri Hooft, his former coach at Kill Cliff FC and current mentor for Rakhmonov, sees championship potential in both fighters. It’s noteworthy that while Hooft is supportive of Garry, he has also conveyed Rakhmonov’s aspirations to seize the title first. Garry remarked, “Shavkat knows you’re going to be the champion one day, but he says, ‘Me first and him later.’” This perspective highlights the reality of their circumstances—where only one can emerge victorious.
In preparation for the fight, Garry is stepping into a challenging environment. According to betting odds from DraftKings, he enters the octagon as a +300 underdog against the -380 favorite Rakhmonov, who has been hailed for his well-rounded skill set and impressive finishing rate. While the odds seem stacked against Garry, he remains undeterred. His journey through various training environments, from Kill Cliff FC to Chute Boxe Diego Lima and now Bangtao Muay Thai in Thailand, reflects his commitment to evolving as a mixed martial artist.
Confidence is a defining trait for Garry, who claims to be one of those “gifted” individuals in combat sports. He emphasizes the importance of not only having talent but also the audacity to declare one’s ambitions. “When it comes to confidence, you need to be able to tell the world what you’re going to do and go do it,” Garry asserts. His ultimate goal transcends mere victory; he aspires to etch his name among the greatest of all time. With his undefeated record and continuous growth, Garry believes he is on the right path to achieving that legacy.
As UFC 310 approaches, anticipation heightens for what promises to be a thrilling contest between Garry and Rakhmonov. The stakes are extraordinarily high, not only because of their unblemished records but also due to the underlying narrative of potential future champions battling for supremacy. For both fighters, this match represents an opportunity to advance their careers and make their marks in the welterweight division, setting the stage for an exciting future in the world of mixed martial arts. Fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch what unfolds in the Octagon—who will rise and seize the moment, and who will face the harsh lesson of defeat? Only time will tell.