A detailed analysis of Shavkat Rakhmonov's performance against Ian Garry revealed significant improvements in his mid-range striking compared to his bout with Neil Magny. Rakhmonov consistently landed powerful single strikes including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds and became the first UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the octagon, doing so twice. However, Rakhmonov struggled on the outside distance, being significantly out-struck with leg kicks. The analyst scored the fight roughly even on points at 40-40 but gave Rakhmonov the victory based on control and damage in crucial areas.
A post-fight breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's unanimous decision victory over Ian Garry has highlighted notable growth in the undefeated Kazakhstani's game, particularly in his mid-range striking and grappling control.
Rakhmonov, 31, entered the bout as the number-three ranked welterweight in the UFC carrying a perfect 19-0-0 record. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, the orthodox fighter out of DAR Team has built his reputation on a combination of sharp striking and relentless submission hunting, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 60 percent. According to the analysis, his mid-range work showed clear improvement over his earlier outing against Neil Magny, with consistent single strikes — jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists — landing with authority throughout the contest.
The grappling dimension of Rakhmonov's performance drew particular attention. He dominated the clinch through the first four rounds and became the first UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the octagon, accomplishing the feat twice. Rakhmonov averages 1.4 takedowns per 15 minutes, and that wrestling threat added another layer to his already multidimensional attack.
The analysis was not entirely one-sided, however. Rakhmonov struggled at outside distance, where he was out-struck by a significant margin on leg kicks. The analyst scored the overall fight approximately even at 40-40 on points but awarded Rakhmonov the verdict based on his control and the damage inflicted in the exchanges that mattered most.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's improved mid-range striking makes him a more complete threat at 170 pounds, closing a previously identified gap in his game
- His takedown success against Garry, a fighter who had never been grounded in the octagon, underscores the breadth of his skill set
- At 31 and unbeaten, Rakhmonov's continued development keeps him firmly in the welterweight title conversation
