Analysis: Rakhmonov showed progress but gave up too much on long range

A detailed breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's fight against Ian Garry highlights what impressed and what raised questions. Rakhmonov showed significant progress at mid-range compared to his fight with Neal, regularly landing strong single strikes on Garry including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds, securing back takes and controlling Garry in deep underhooks. Rakhmonov became the only UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the cage, doing so twice and landing ground strikes from top position. However, Rakhmonov was criticized for low activity at long range, landing very few leg kicks across four of five rounds and conceding significant points on the outside. The analysis scored the fight roughly even overall at 40-40 in total points, with Garry's half coming from low and oblique kicks, but gave Rakhmonov the win based on quality control and damage to the head. The reviewer believes Rakhmonov is a quarter to half a class above Moraes and Garry.