Analysis: Shavkat Rakhmonov dominated middle and close range against Ian Garry

A detailed re-analysis of Shavkat Rakhmonov's fight with Ian Garry reveals Rakhmonov's dominance at middle and close range despite losing the long-distance striking battle. Rakhmonov impressed with improved striking at middle range, landing effective single strikes including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds, secured Garry's back repeatedly, and became the first UFC fighter to take Garry down in the center of the cage, doing so twice. The analysis notes Rakhmonov controlled the overall pace and distance except in the fifth round. However, he showed minimal activity at long range with kicks, losing that distance 19.5 to 1.75 in points. The breakdown scores the middle distance 15.75 to 10.25 for Rakhmonov and close range 18.5 to 11.7 in his favor, with overall points nearly even at 40-40, though Rakhmonov is given the edge due to superior damage and control.