Shavkat Rakhmonov dominated Garry on medium and close range despite losing on kicks

A detailed breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's victory over Ian Garry reveals he dominated the medium and close-range exchanges despite being significantly outscored at long range. Rakhmonov impressed with improved boxing at medium distance, landing diverse powerful strikes including jabs, overhand rights, and spinning backfists. He controlled the clinch for the first four rounds, repeatedly took Garry's back, and became the only UFC fighter to successfully takedown Garry in the center of the octagon, doing so twice. The analyst scored the medium distance 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7, but Garry dominated at long range 19.5 to 1.75 with leg kicks. While overall strike totals were roughly even at 40-40, Rakhmonov's control of the more damaging ranges and higher quality strikes justified the decision, though his minimal activity with leg kicks remains a concern for future high-level matchups.