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

A detailed breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's victory over Ian Garry reveals the Kazakh fighter excelled on middle and close range despite losing the long-range striking battle. Rakhmonov impressed with improved middle-distance striking, landing diverse power shots including jabs, overhand rights, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds, successfully took Garry down twice in the octagon center (a UFC first against Garry), and maintained strong positional control throughout most of the fight. The analyst scored the middle distance 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7 in his favor, while Garry won the long range 19.5 to 1.75. The only concern noted was Rakhmonov's minimal activity at long range, throwing very few leg kicks and conceding considerable points on that distance. Despite the overall points being roughly even at 40-40, the analyst awarded the fight to Rakhmonov based on superior control and more significant damage to the head.