Analysis: Rakhmonov dominated Garry on middle and close range despite leg kick deficit

A detailed analysis of Shavkat Rakhmonov's performance against Ian Garry highlights his progress and dominance in key areas. Rakhmonov impressed with improved striking at middle distance, regularly landing single power shots including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch for the first four rounds, controlling Garry with deep underhooks and securing two takedowns in open space—the only fighter to do so against Garry in the UFC. The analysis notes Rakhmonov controlled the cage, distance, and rhythm for four of five rounds. However, concerns were raised about his inactivity at long range, where he was severely outstruck by Garry's leg kicks, conceding 19.5 points to 1.75 on that distance. Despite this, Rakhmonov won the middle distance (15.75 to 10.25) and close range (18.5 to 11.7), which are considered the most important distances in MMA. The analyst scored the overall points roughly even at 40-40 but awarded the fight to Rakhmonov based on damage to the head and superior fight control, while acknowledging that Garry's leg kick volume could have confused judges.