A detailed analysis of Shavkat Rakhmonov's performance against Ian Garry highlights the Kazakh fighter's progression and control across multiple aspects of the bout. Rakhmonov impressed with improved striking at middle distance, regularly landing clean single power shots including jabs, overhand rights, and spinning backfists while managing distance effectively. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds, consistently taking Garry's back and controlling him with deep underhooks that the Irishman could not escape. Rakhmonov became the only UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the octagon, achieving this twice and landing ground strikes from top position. The analyst scored the middle distance 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7 in his favor, though Garry dominated long range with leg kicks 19.5 to 1.75. The only significant concern raised was Rakhmonov's minimal activity at long range and his single major mistake in round five when he rushed a takedown attempt.
A detailed post-fight breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's victory over Ian Garry has drawn attention to the Kazakh contender's technical development and his systematic control of the contest at multiple ranges.
Rakhmonov, ranked third in the UFC welterweight division and still undefeated at 19-0, entered the bout as one of the most complete fighters at 170 pounds. The 31-year-old from Kazakhstan, standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, trains out of DAR Team and carries a striking accuracy of 60 percent alongside averages of 3.25 significant strikes per minute and 1.4 takedowns per 15 minutes. That well-rounded profile was on full display against Garry.
According to the analysis, Rakhmonov established consistent control at middle distance by landing clean single power shots — jabs, overhand rights, and spinning backfists — while managing the space between them effectively. The analyst scored that range 15.75 to 10.25 in Rakhmonov's favor. At close range, the advantage was even clearer at 18.5 to 11.7, with Rakhmonov repeatedly entering the clinch, securing deep underhooks, and taking Garry's back through the first four rounds in a manner Garry could not answer. Rakhmonov also became the only UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the octagon, doing so twice and following with ground strikes from top position.
Garry did find success on the outside, dominating the long-range exchanges with leg kicks by a lopsided margin of 19.5 to 1.75, exposing a gap in Rakhmonov's game at that distance. The analysis also pointed to a single significant error in round five, when Rakhmonov rushed a takedown attempt and left himself momentarily vulnerable.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's clinch dominance and takedown success against a highly mobile fighter signals clear growth in his championship-level toolkit.
- His near-total absence at long range remains an exploitable pattern that future opponents in the welterweight top five could target.
- The breakdown reinforces Rakhmonov's status as the division's most dangerous contender at 19-0, with no sign of a flaw significant enough to derail a title run.
