Shavkat Rakhmonov showed improved striking in Ian Garry fight analysis

A detailed re-watch of Shavkat Rakhmonov's fight with Ian Garry revealed significant improvements in Rakhmonov's mid-range striking compared to his bout with Geoff Neal. Rakhmonov consistently landed strong single shots on Garry including jabs, overhand rights, left hooks, and spinning backfists. He dominated the clinch in the first four rounds, securing back takes, and became the only UFC fighter to take down Garry in the center of the cage, doing so twice. Rakhmonov controlled the fight's overall pace, distance, and rhythm except in the fifth round. The analysis noted Rakhmonov's weakness on the outside distance where he threw very few kicks and conceded significant points to Garry's leg kicks. The scoring breakdown showed Garry dominating on the outside (19.5 to 1.75 points) but Rakhmonov winning the mid-range (15.75 to 10.25) and close range/grappling (18.5 to 11.7). The author scored the fight essentially even overall but gave Rakhmonov the victory based on landing heavier strikes to the head and better overall fight control.