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The anticipation is palpable as undefeated Kazakh phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov prepares to face rising Irish star Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event of UFC 310 this Saturday. Originally, Rakhmonov was on track for a welterweight title shot against Belal Muhammad, but an injury to "Remember the Name" forced a reshuffle, leading to this unexpected five-round, non-title showdown.
While their matchup was born of necessity, it quickly evolved into a grudge match after footage from a past sparring session between Rakhmonov and Garry surfaced online. In the clip, Garry appeared to hold his own against Rakhmonov, landing solid strikes and showcasing his stand-up skills. The release of this footage, filmed by Garry’s wife, sparked intrigue—and tension.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Responds: “Selective Editing”
During a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the typically reserved Rakhmonov didn’t shy away from addressing the now-infamous sparring video. Confirming its authenticity, he clarified that it was taken without permission for public release and claimed that the clip was heavily edited to favor Garry.
“They cut out the part where Ian tapped,” Rakhmonov revealed. “It was a simple choke. We sparred three or four times, and while he had his moments, the session ended with him tapping. They conveniently left that part out.”
The Mind Games Begin
Ian Machado Garry hasn’t been shy about leveraging the sparring session as a confidence booster. In pre-fight interviews, the Irishman noted that his performance in those exchanges gave him a psychological edge heading into UFC 310. But Rakhmonov’s retort has shifted the narrative, suggesting that Garry may have overstated his success.
The Kazakh fighter’s calm yet pointed response shows he’s unfazed by Garry’s pre-fight tactics. However, with tensions running high, both fighters seem eager to settle the score where it matters most—inside the Octagon.
The Stakes Are High
While this is a non-title bout, it carries significant implications for the welterweight division. For Garry, it’s a chance to solidify himself as a legitimate contender. For Rakhmonov, it’s about proving that he’s still the division’s most dangerous rising star.
Will Garry’s confidence hold up under the pressure of facing one of the most feared finishers in the division? Or will Rakhmonov silence the doubters and show that the sparring session was just a mirage?
Stay tuned to Fight.TV for all the latest updates as we head into what promises to be an explosive showdown at UFC 310!
Who do you think will emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments below!
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