The upcoming welterweight bout at UFC 310 between Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov is generating a considerable amount of buzz within the mixed martial arts (MMA) community. Scheduled for December 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this fight features two undefeated prospects, each looking to elevate their status in the highly competitive welterweight division. Garry, sporting a flawless record of 15-0 (8-0 in the UFC), is set to face Rakhmonov, who boasts an impressive 18-0 (6-0 in the UFC). This matchup promises a thrilling contest, pitting Garry’s technical finesse against Rakhmonov’s raw power and grappling prowess.
Joaquin Buckley, a seasoned MMA fighter with a 20-6 professional record, has weighed in on the impending showdown. Originally scheduled to fight Garry himself, Buckley has shown remarkable sportsmanship by offering valuable insights into how the fight may unfold. He predicts Garry will emerge victorious by a narrow margin, emphasizing that Garry’s tactical approach and evasive footwork could very well determine the outcome. Buckley believes that Garry will utilize a strategy focused on movement and distance management, allowing him to evade Rakhmonov’s dangerous strikes.
Buckley’s analysis hinges on the belief that while Rakhmonov presents a substantial threat, particularly with his striking and grappling capabilities, Garry’s ability to “stick and move” will be key. Buckley articulated his thoughts succinctly, describing how Garry has successfully navigated tough fights in the past against competitors like MVP and Geoff Neal. “If you don’t have the feet to kind of hunt down guys like that, you’re going to struggle,” Buckley noted, pointing out the importance of timing and positioning in preventing Rakhmonov from landing powerful shots.
Given the contrasting styles of both fighters, fans can expect a tactical battle that may see Garry employing lateral movement to frustrate Rakhmonov. If Garry can avoid exchanges in the pocket, he may control the pace of the match and chip away at Rakhmonov’s confidence. Nevertheless, the fight will also hinge on whether Rakhmonov can effectively cut off the cage space to corner Garry, thereby negating his movement advantage.
While Buckley concedes that engaging Rakhmonov would be unwise—”if you get in the fire with Shavkat Rakhmonov, you’re going to get burned”—he remains confident in Garry’s ability to keep the fight on his terms. This sentiment highlights the broader debate within the sport regarding tactical acumen versus raw power. In MMA, intelligence often trumps brute strength, and Garry’s fight IQ could be the deciding factor in their bout.
Despite not stepping into the octagon against Garry, Buckley is set for his own significant fight on December 14, facing former interim champion Colby Covington in Tampa, Florida. Buckley’s focus remains unwavering as he prepares for challenging matchups ahead. Meanwhile, as Ian Machado Garry gears up for his bout with Rakhmonov, the stakes could not be higher for both fighters. Their performance could reshape the landscape of the UFC welterweight division, and fans eagerly await the inevitable fireworks.
The clash between Garry and Rakhmonov is poised to be a highlight of UFC 310, revealing not just how each fighter has improved, but also which approach—survival or aggression—will prevail in the octagon.