The highly anticipated showdown between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry delivered intense action at UFC 309. Both fighters entered the octagon with unbeaten records, bringing their impressive skills to the fight. Rakhmonov, known for his powerful knockout ability and relentless pressure, faced Garry, who was praised for his slick striking and defensive tactics.
Round 1: The first round was a measured affair as both fighters felt each other out. Garry used his quick footwork and clean striking to maintain distance and land jabs and kicks. Rakhmonov pressed forward, looking for the big punch, but Garry’s elusive movement made it difficult for Rakhmonov to land anything significant. Garry’s ability to avoid the heavy shots while landing cleaner strikes gave him a slight edge in the opening round.
Round 2: Rakhmonov began to pick up the pace, pushing Garry against the cage and trying to land some heavy shots. However, Garry’s counterstriking remained effective. Despite Rakhmonov’s pressure, Garry’s jab and ability to evade punches continued to shine. Towards the end of the round, Rakhmonov connected with a powerful right hand that rocked Garry, but Garry recovered well and finished the round on his feet.
Round 3: The third round saw Garry starting to open up more, using his kicks and angles to throw Rakhmonov off balance. Rakhmonov, however, remained dangerous with his heavy strikes, and a spinning back fist landed flush on Garry, causing a brief wobble. Garry showed resilience, continuing to work from the outside, but Rakhmonov’s pressure and power punches began to take their toll.
Round 4: By round four, both fighters had settled into their rhythm. Garry’s footwork was still sharp, but Rakhmonov’s relentless pressure was unyielding. In the middle of an exchange, Rakhmonov caught Garry with a devastating left hook-right hook combination that dropped him to the canvas. Rakhmonov immediately followed up with a few more strikes, forcing the referee to step in and call an end to the fight. The knockout came at 4:14 of the fourth round, as Rakhmonov’s power proved too much for Garry to handle.
Post-Fight: Shavkat Rakhmonov continued his dominant undefeated streak with a spectacular knockout victory over a tough and skilled Ian Machado Garry. The knockout showcased Rakhmonov’s trademark power and precision, while Garry’s performance showed that he is a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.
Rakhmonov’s victory sets him up for a potential title shot in the near future, while Garry will need to regroup and come back stronger. This was a classic battle of power versus technique, and Rakhmonov’s unrelenting style ultimately earned him the win in a spectacular finish.
