Ian Machado Garry was tapped by Shavkat Rakhmonov in sparring but confirmed it was not relevant for UFC 310
Ian Machado Garry faces one of the toughest challenges of his career at UFC 310, where he will take on undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov in a highly anticipated co-main event. While Garry admits that Rakhmonov made him tap during a past sparring session, he believes the past is irrelevant and that his evolution as a fighter […]
Ian Machado Garry faces one of the toughest challenges of his career at UFC 310, where he will take on undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov in a highly anticipated co-main event. While Garry admits that Rakhmonov made him tap during a past sparring session, he believes the past is irrelevant and that his evolution as a fighter will shine through in their upcoming bout. With his sights set on becoming the No. 1 welterweight contender, Garry is determined to make a statement at UFC 310.
Addressing the Past Sparring Session with Rakhmonov
Ahead of UFC 310, Shavkat Rakhmonov publicly claimed that he made Ian Machado Garry tap in a sparring session years ago at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. Garry confirmed the claim but quickly brushed it aside as insignificant to their upcoming fight.
“If he wants to latch onto a moment from two years ago and think I’m the same fighter, he’s mistaken,” Garry said. “I’m not denying it happened, but sparring success doesn’t define the fight. What matters is what happens on Saturday night.”
Machado Garry emphasized that while sparring is important for learning, it doesn’t always translate to competition. He’s confident that his growth as a fighter will be evident when they step into the Octagon.
Stepping Up to Face Rakhmonov on Short Notice
Originally scheduled to fight Joaquim Buckley at UFC on ESPN 63 on December 14, Garry was quick to accept the opportunity to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 when the champion, Belal Muhammad, was forced to withdraw due to injury.
“The entire world knows I’m a gamer,” Garry said. “I didn’t have to take this fight, but when I saw the opportunity to face the baddest man in the division, I jumped at it.”
By stepping in on short notice, Garry sees the risk vs. reward clearly. A win would not only secure his place as the No. 1 contender but also set him up for a future title shot against Muhammad in 2024.
Machado Garry’s Confidence and Fight Strategy
Despite the challenge, Garry enters the fight with unshakable confidence. He’s fully aware of Rakhmonov’s reputation as a dangerous opponent, but Garry believes that defeating the so-called “boogeyman” of the division will solidify his place at the top.
“I remain undefeated, take out the guy everyone fears, and do it in style,” Garry said. “Then I wipe the floor with Belal Muhammad next year. It’s perfect.”
Garry plans to showcase his evolution since their sparring days, confident that his current skill set and fight IQ far exceed what Rakhmonov will be able to handle.
A Defining Moment for Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310
The pressure is on for Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, but he sees this as a defining moment in his career. While the sparring session with Rakhmonov may have raised some eyebrows, Garry’s focus is firmly on the upcoming fight, where he aims to prove his worth as a future welterweight champion.
By taking on this challenge at short notice, Garry has demonstrated his willingness to face the toughest competitors head-on. A victory at UFC 310 could not only keep his undefeated record intact but also position him for a title shot against Belal Muhammad in 2024.
For Garry, this isn’t just another fight—it’s a chance to make a statement as the next king of the welterweight division.