Aljamain Sterling thinks Shavkat Rakhmonov is about to lose his 0 at UFC 310.
This Saturday’s card features a matchup of undefeated welterweights, with Rakhmonov (18-0) taking on Ian Machado Garry (15-0). Rakhmonov is currently tied for No. 2 at 170 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, with Garry sitting at No. 7.
Rakhmonov enters the fight as a heavy favorite, as high as 4-to-1 on some sportsbooks. But Sterling likes Garry’s chances of pulling off the upset and keeping his own perfect record intact.
“I lean towards Ian Garry in this one,” Sterling said on his YouTube channel. “I just think because he’s familiar with him, I don’t know if he’s still training with the Chute Box guys, I think he has really good control management of the distance. For him to beat a guy like [Michael Page] who is hard to get a hold of, it wasn’t the most exciting fight, but he did what he had to do to win. I think he knows how to win. I think he might outpoint him.”
Win or lose, should the bout go to the scorecards that will be a first for Rakhmonov. All of the Kazakh star’s wins have come by way of knockout or submission, including six UFC finishes. On the other side, almost half of Garry’s wins have come by way of decision, including his past three against Page, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny.
One reason why Rakhmonov is so heavily favored is his versatility. Though he’s shown fine striking skills, Rakhmonov’s ability to overwhelm his opponents with his grappling has made him arguably the most dangerous fighter in the division.
Sterling is impressed with what he’s seen, but isn’t sure fans have got to see Rakhmonov’s full capabilities. Should Garry be able to at least battle Rakhmonov to a stalemate on the mat, Sterling sees a path to victory for the Irishman.
“I think to evaluate someone’s grappling, you have to see sequences to know how well they move on the ground,” Sterling said of Rakhmonov. “And I don’t know if I’ve seen it, where it’s like, alright this is enough to if things get dicey on the feet he can take him down, or if he does take him down and can end up here and he can probably finish the fight.
“But then again, I haven’t seen that from Ian either, so it’s really hard to say. I just think on the feet, I think the point-fighting game, I favor Ian Garry. The grappling’s an X-factor.”
TOP STORIES
Chama. Alex Pereira made sure his parents moved on up as his career has blossomed.
Defend. Kron Gracie responds to critics of Bryce Mitchell matchup being on the UFC 310 main card.
Brag. Did Shavkat Rakhmonov submit Ian Machado Garry when they trained together?
Wolverine. Irene Aldana’s face is somehow much better three months after suffering an ugly gash at UFC 306.
Dream Fight. Alexandre Pantoja wonders if Demetrious Johnson’s retirement from ONE Championship opens the door to a potential UFC fight.
Pot Meet Kettle. Ryan Garcia’s upcoming opponent Rukiya Anpo couldn’t be bothered to show up to a Tokyo press conference.
VIDEO STEW
Mike Heck and Kron Gracie.
UFC 310 Embedded, episode 2.
Ian Machado Garry answers questions.
Laura Sanko and Din Thomas dive deep into the UFC 310 main event.
2Straws.
Mighty Mouse and The All-American.
Alexandre Pantoja’s incredible highlight reel.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
Fighter vs. Writer. Matt Brown and MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin preview UFC 310, including why Chris Weidman and Aljamain Sterling might not be too pleased being on the prelims.
Severe MMA. More UFC 310 coverage from Seán Sheehan and Graeme McDonnell, with a deep dive into Ian Machado Garry’s clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
UFC 310 Artist Series.
How good is our #UFC310 Artist Series?!
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) December 3, 2024
@ryokkes_draw2 pic.twitter.com/g4f3PJpT4B
Fight?
Where you at Jorge? https://t.co/x7VsDYKbUe
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 3, 2024
Say word and it’s go April Miami
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) December 3, 2024
Trash talk.
When is your due date? @SugaSeanMMA https://t.co/eXAtzlwtKq
— Petr “No Mercy” Yan (@PetrYanUFC) December 3, 2024
I predict it will be early Q2. Against Merab. Thanks for asking. https://t.co/igEkdTCVO4
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 3, 2024
From Google Translate: “You’re too skinny kid, don’t go near the Wolf’s teeth, you’ll end up headless”
@ianagaryy Ты слишком худой пацан, не лезь к зубам Волка, без головы останешься
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) December 3, 2024
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kimbo Slice Jr. vs. Bryce Hall; Knucklemania 5, Jan. 25.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Feels like a lot of people are suddenly hopping on the Ian Machado Garry bandwagon this week. I don’t know if it’s just people reacting to Shavkat’s hype, or people are accepting that Garry is actually quite good, but I am deeply interested in how this matchup plays out on Saturday. — Meshew
EXIT POLL
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