UFC 310, scheduled for December 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises to be an electrifying event showcasing a welterweight co-main event between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. Both fighters enter the octagon undefeated, with Rakhmonov holding an impressive record of 18 wins with no losses—a statistic that includes a perfect finish rate. Meanwhile, Garry boasts a professional MMA record that stands at 15-0. The anticipation surrounding this bout is palpable, yet there are underlying concerns regarding the fight’s potential outcome.
Kamaru Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, shared his insights on the upcoming matchup during a podcast session with Henry Cejudo. Although he appreciates the matchup on paper, he expressed skepticism regarding its expected levels of action. Usman pointed out a trend in Garry’s previous performances where, despite the hype, the outcomes often fall short of soaring expectations. He drew a parallel to other bouts that seemed promising yet ended up lacking the excitement anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
“I like the matchup, but we have a tendency to get excited for these Ian Garry matchups,” Usman stated candidly, highlighting his concerns. He emphasized that Garry’s fighting style leans towards a more cautious approach focused on creating space and leveraging footwork, which may lead to a less-action packed encounter. The contrasting styles of both fighters—Garry’s tactical movement versus Rakhmonov’s aggressive, pressure-fighting demeanor—make for an intriguing yet uncertain dynamic.
Rakhmonov’s fighting approach embodies a ‘seek and destroy’ mentality, aiming to finish fights decisively. In contrast, Garry often prioritizes maintaining distance, relying on his striking combinations and evasion techniques. This distinctive divergence raises questions about whether the bout will deliver the high-energy exchanges that fans crave. Usman’s insights resonate especially well when considering that fights sharing similar stylistic contrasts in the past have often not delivered the expected fireworks.
Usman further underscored the narrative at play, noting the potential for their previous training experiences to add an extra layer of intrigue to this matchup. Having trained alongside both fighters at Kill Cliff FC, Usman recognizes that their history and interaction on the mats could influence the fight dynamics. The backstory provides additional motivation and mental edge, which could manifest in their performance come fight night.
As the dates for UFC 310 approach, fans remain divided between excitement and apprehension. The clash between Rakhmonov and Garry represents not just a contest of skill but a test of contrasting philosophies in the octagon. While both fighters possess immense talent, the effectiveness of their styles when pitted against one another will ultimately determine the bout’s success. Will this matchup rise above expectations, or will it fall into the common trope of a silent war between styles? Only time will tell.