Analysis: Shavkat Rakhmonov dominated Garry in clinch and middistance exchanges

A detailed breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's performance against Ian Garry reveals the Kazakh fighter dominated at middle and close range despite losing on the outside. Rakhmonov impressed with improved middistance striking, landing clean power shots including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks and spinning backfists. He controlled the clinch in the first four rounds, repeatedly taking Garry's back, and became the only UFC fighter to score takedowns on Garry in the center of the cage. The analyst scored middistance striking 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7, while Garry dominated at long range 19.5 to 1.75. The main criticism was Rakhmonov's lack of leg kick activity, throwing almost no low kicks despite Garry accumulating points with them. Overall the fight was scored roughly even at 40-40 in total points, but Rakhmonov's control and more significant damage to the head earned him the decision.