Analysis: Rakhmonov Dominated Garry at Middle and Close Range Despite Losing Kicks

A detailed breakdown reveals that Shavkat Rakhmonov outperformed Ian Garry on the middle and close distances in their fight, despite Garry dominating the long-range kicking game. Rakhmonov controlled the clinch for the first four rounds, took Garry down twice in the center of the octagon (a UFC first against Garry), and landed the best strikes to the head. According to the analysis, Garry won the long-range battle 19.5 to 1.75 in points, but Rakhmonov won the middle distance 15.75 to 10.25 and close range 18.5 to 11.7. The analyst scored the bout roughly even at 40-40 in total points but gave the fight to Rakhmonov based on higher quality control and more significant strikes to the head, while noting Rakhmonov's concerning lack of leg kick activity.