On Saturday night, Shavkat Rakhmonov completed the long distance for the first time in his mixed martial arts career, but his ability to win those types of fights suggests that big things could be on the horizon for the Kazakh native. It means something.
Rakhmonov earned a close unanimous decision over Ian Garry in the co-main event of UFC 310 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. “Nomad” defeated his first 18 opponents, but in this case winning by any means was the primary goal.
“Who doesn’t want the fight to end?” Rakhmonov said through an interpreter during the UFC 310 post-fight press conference. “I gave my all for it and Ian has done a great job of preparing, but I believe he can continue his streak in the next game.
“…Winning is the most important thing for me and I’m happy to win.”
Rakhmonov is currently 7-0 in UFC competition, and following his recent win, a showdown with current welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is on the horizon. Following Rachmonov’s victory, the two welterweights faced off in the center of the cage. Muhammad was originally scheduled to defend his belt against Rachmonov at UFC 310, but was forced to withdraw from the bout after developing a bone infection in his foot.
“I’m the number one title contender and hopefully we’ll fight in April or May next year,” Rakhmonov said.
It wasn’t the first time Rakhmonov and Garry had faced each other inside the cage, as they were former training partners at Kilcliffe FC, but the stakes were much greater this time. Both men acknowledged that this may not be the last time they face off in the Octagon.
“We’re going to keep winning and if he keeps winning, we’ll see him again,” Rakhmonov said.
Meanwhile, Gary was pleased with his performance against what he called the welterweight “boogeyman” and agreed with Rakhmonov that there may be unfinished business between the former training partners.
“I said it before the game, I’ve said it before, I believe he’s better than anyone else, I believe I’m better than anyone else, and we “I’m sure I’ll meet him many times in my career,” Garry said. “I don’t think we’ll ever see him again, but maybe we’ll see him twice. I think he’s very good, and I know he’s that good.”
