Shavkat Rakhmonov is aware of precisely what he’s moving into when he fights Ian Machado Garry this weekend.
On Saturday, Rakhmonov faces off with Garry in a five-round struggle within the co-main occasion of UFC 310. Rakhmonov was imagined to problem Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title, however when Muhammad withdrew because of damage, Rakhmonov stayed on the cardboard and now places his spot as the following title challenger on the road. However whereas there’s threat concerned, Rakhmonov is simply pleased he’s nonetheless attending to compete.
“I’m very glad,” Rakhmonov informed Ariel Helwani when requested concerning the opponent change. “Lots of fighters turned it down, and he backed up his phrase, so I’m glad I’m preventing.
“So far as I do know, Kamaru Usman turned it down and likewise just about everybody from top-15 didn’t settle for the struggle. That’s why they pulled Ian Garry in. …
“I may have fought for the title,” Rakhmonov added later. “I may have simply waited for the title struggle, however I needed to struggle. I needed to remain lively and I needed to strengthen my place because the No. 1 contender.”
Contemplating he’s a short-notice substitute, Garry is a reasonably good opponent for Rakhmonov. Each males are undefeated and have been steadily rising up the UFC welterweight rankings, with Garry holding the No. 7 spot proper now. And on high of that, Rakhmonov has some familiarity with Garry already.
The 2 beforehand skilled collectively for a brief stint and prematurely of the matchup, Garry even launched some footage of their sparring classes; nevertheless, Rakhmonov says Garry was selective within the sparring footage he selected to share.
“On the time, although his spouse requested me if she will movie the footage of us sparring, I accepted it,” Rakhmonov mentioned. “However they didn’t ask me if they’ll launch it or not. I ponder why they didn’t launch the opposite a part of the sparring.
“Ian Garry faucets, “ Rakhmonov added when requested what occurred. “It was a submission, choke.”
However simply because he already beat Garry in coaching, doesn’t imply Rakhmonov believes this struggle will probably be simple. And with a lot at stake for him on Saturday, Rakhmonov says he’s holding a very powerful factor in focus.
“What’s most vital for me is the win,” Rakhmonov mentioned. “Sparring is sparring, preventing is completely different. Ian Garry is a really robust opponent who is an effective tactician, who is available in with an excellent recreation plan. So for me it doesn’t matter, submission or stoppage. For me what’s most vital is to win.”
UFC 310 takes place this Saturday on the T-Cell Area in Las Vegas.