Shavkat Rakhmonov was originally scheduled to fight reigning UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad for the title, but Muhammad withdrew. Ian Machado Garry stepped in to save the day and potentially put himself in title contention.
If Garry can defeat Rakhmonov, he’ll likely earn a shot at the title. However, judging by the UFC 310 odds, it seems unlikely.
Shavkat Rakhmonov boasts an 18-0 record, with all his victories coming by finish—8 by KO/TKO and 10 by submission.
Since joining the UFC four years ago, he has defeated six tough opponents. However, only one of those was in the Top 10 of the Welterweight Rankings at the time of the fight.
That opponent was Stephen Thompson, whom Rakhmonov defeated by TKO in December 2023, when “Wonderboy” was already 40. So, does Ian Machado Garry stand a chance against him?
Ian Machado Garry is 15-0 with 7 wins by KO/TKO, 7 by decision, and just 1 by submission. He’s a capable wrestler with a black belt in judo, but grappling isn’t his primary focus. He mainly uses his grappling skills for defense, while his strongest offensive weapon is his striking.
This comes as no surprise, considering he’s a tall fighter (6’3) with long arms and legs, enabling him to strike from a distance. Last June, he managed to out-strike Michael “Venom” Page, a fighter renowned for his incredible kickboxing skills.
If the UFC 310 co-main event turns into a striking match, Garry will likely hold his own. But if Rakhmonov takes the fight to the ground, it’s uncertain how Garry will fare against such an elite grappler.
Both fighters have impeccable records and are eager to remain undefeated. You can expect both to take this fight seriously and give it their all. As a result, the bout will likely go the distance, with the judges deciding the winner.
When, Where, and How to Watch?
- Place: T-Mobile Arena in Paradise (Las Vegas), Nevada
- Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: PPV
Shavkat Rakhmonov – 260
Ian Machado Garry + 220
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 6, 2024
