Analysis: Rakhmonov dominated Garry on medium and close range despite losing distance battle

A detailed breakdown of Shavkat Rakhmonov's fight against Ian Garry reveals Rakhmonov dominated on medium and close range despite losing the long-distance battle. Rakhmonov impressed with improved striking on medium range, regularly landing clean 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 center of the cage, and controlled the overall pace and rhythm except in round five. However, Rakhmonov's inactivity at long range proved problematic, as Garry landed 19.5 points worth of kicks compared to Rakhmonov's 1.75. The analyst scored medium range 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7, with overall points nearly even at 40-40, but awarded the victory to Rakhmonov based on heavier head strikes and superior fight control.