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Michael Bisping Breaks It Down
UFC 310’s co-main event is shaping up to be a high-stakes clash, with Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov battling for the No. 1 contender spot in the welterweight division. While both fighters boast impressive undefeated records, MMA analyst and former UFC champion Michael Bisping believes Garry faces a daunting challenge in stopping Rakhmonov’s relentless grappling.
Bisping recently shared his insights on his YouTube channel, acknowledging Garry’s courage in taking the fight on short notice but emphasizing that his path to victory is razor-thin. “You’ve got to have a lot of respect for Ian Garry,” Bisping said. “He didn’t have to take this fight, but can he stop the takedown? If he can’t, he will get finished. That’s no disrespect to Ian Garry.”
A Clash of Styles
Both Garry and Rakhmonov stand 6'3" and have shown striking prowess, but their similarities end there. While Garry’s precision and movement shone in his recent win over Geoff Neal, Bisping warns that Rakhmonov’s grappling could nullify Garry’s slick footwork. “Ian Garry’s going to dance around, use the reach, use the movement. But if Shavkat gets a hold of him, it’s going to be lights out,” Bisping stated.
Rakhmonov’s UFC journey speaks for itself. With six consecutive finishes, five by submission, he’s proven to be a grappling powerhouse. His win over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson showcased his ability to blend striking with a methodical clinch game that inevitably leads to a takedown. “Shavkat’s going to get a hold of him. If he gets him down, it’s going to be over,” Bisping added.
Garry’s Slim Path to Victory
While the odds may favor Rakhmonov, Bisping still sees a potential route for Garry. However, it requires discipline and a willingness to endure a potentially hostile crowd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “The crowd will boo, but who cares about the crowd. Winning is all that matters,” Bisping said, urging Garry to stick to a stick-and-move strategy rather than engaging in a brawl.
Bisping’s advice is simple: avoid the ground at all costs. Garry’s best bet lies in frustrating Rakhmonov with range management and crisp, elusive striking. Yet, the moment he gets drawn into Rakhmonov’s grappling world, his undefeated record may be at serious risk.
The Stakes Are Clear
With the welterweight title picture on hold until champion Belal Muhammad recovers from a foot infection, the winner of Garry vs. Rakhmonov will likely earn a title shot in early 2025. For Garry, this fight isn’t just about surviving—it’s about proving he can contend with the division’s elite. For Rakhmonov, it’s another step toward cementing his reputation as a future champion.
As Bisping puts it, “Can Ian Garry stop the takedown? If he can’t, someone’s ‘O’ is going to go, and that’s probably going to be Ian Garry’s.”
All eyes will be on UFC 310 to see if Garry can rise to the occasion or if Rakhmonov will continue his dominant march toward the title. Either way, one undefeated streak will come to an end, and a new contender will emerge. Fight.TV is here for it!
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