The clash of the undefeated against undefeated always carries a special attraction in combat sports. UFC 310 features 18-0 Shavkat Rakhmonov against 15-0 Ian Garry in the co-main event spot. Both men got their start in the promotion during the COVID-19 era of the UFC. Facing similar hurdles in the 170lbs division en route to world title, both men are now just one fight away.
Originally, ‘Nomad’ was booked to face champion Belal Muhammad for the welterweight strap, but the fight fell off. Now, with the new replacement matchup in place, legendary coach Firas Zahabi has shared his thoughts on the fight. Zahabi believes the Kazakh fighter is certainly beatable despite a 100% finish rate. However, Garry’s chance to cause an upset remained the highlight of the coach’s analysis.
I think Shavkat’s gonna beat him, it’s kinda obvious. He has relentless pressure. The man is an animal. He doesn’t have the best defense, but when he gets hit, he moves forward. Yes, I have seen him even get dropped. He gets up like a zombie… One day it is going to catch up to him. One day maybe we’re gonna watch Shavkat get stopped or really badly hurt or lose a fight, I just don’t think it’s this one. I just don’t think it’s Ian Garry.
Firas Zahabi via Tristar Gym YouTube Channel
Zahabi owns the Tristar MMA gym out of Montrel, Quebec, Canada and it is home to UFC legend Georges St-Pierre. The veteran coach is also credited to training notable names like Vitor Belfort, Rory MacDonald, Robert Whittaker and more. Zahabi’s prediction of Garry’s defeat could turn into reality as Garry has never fought a high-pressure fighter in his career.
Ian Garry is not the man to stop Shavkat Rakhmanov… Accroding to coach Firas Zakabi.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/JPxiJcglz4
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 1, 2024
Garry has been mulling for a title shot or top ranked match-up for quite sometime. His call out of Colby Covington fell on deaf ears with no reaction. Fortunately, Muhammad pulled out and Garry got his wish. Now, with the title eliminator clash in tow, the Irish mixed martial artist has a unique chance at hand. But another MMA expert feel this will probably won’t go his way.
Michael Bisping predicts Ian Garry to get finished by Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310
Disregarding the co-main status of the welterweight clash, the title eliminator is a must see match-up. Both men haven’t faced any adversity thus far in the UFC, and could prove to be their toughest outing yet. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping reflected on the booking and even offered his prediction.
Michael Bisping makes his pick between Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov (Image via Open Source)‘The Count’ on his YouTube channel previewed the entire UFC 310 card. He praised the Irish mixed martial artist for taking up such a difficult matchup with less time to prepare. Bisping believed the high-paced offense of Rakhmonov coupled with takedowns would dictate the fight. More than likely, he feels ‘Nomad’ has a better chance to walk away with his record intact.
Can he stop the takedown…he’s got to be keep Shavkat Rakhmonov off him, okay? If he can’t stop the takedown, then he will get finished, and that is no disrespect to Ian Garry.
Michael Bisping via his official YouTube channel
Early prediction from MMA experts seems to be inclining towards the Kazakh fighter’s win. Garry still has quite a chance to cause an upset with his long-range style of offense, although grappling disparity could play a huge role in deciding the fight. The current champion Belal Muhammad awaits the winner of this exciting UFC 310 co-main event.
