LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] wasn’t able to maintain his 100 percent finishing rate, but he did keep his undefeated status.
The UFC welterweight contender picked up a unanimous decision win over [autotag]Ian Machado Garry[/autotag] (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 310. It was a big win for Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), as this sets him up to fight champion Belal Muhammad for the UFC welterweight title. Although it’s a big gain, Rakhmonov did lose his the ability to say he’s stopped all of his rivals.
“Who doesn’t want to finish fights?” Rakhmonov told reporters at the UFC 310 post-fight press conference. “I did everything in my power to do so, but Ian had a great preparation, but I believe next fight I will continue my finishing streak.”
Rakhmonov’s main objective was to get his hand raised by any means necessary – which he accomplished.
“For me, it’s most important to get the win, and I’m happy I won,” Rakhmonov said.
The Kazakh, who trained with Machado Garry in the past at Kill Cliff, respects Machado Garry and felt a lot of improvement since the last time the two training together. Rakhmonov expects this to be the first of many future meets with his former teammate.
“For sure,” Rakhmonov said. “We’re going to keep winning and if he keeps winning, we’re going to meet again.”
As far as what’s next, it’s pretty clear a title shot follows. Rakhmonov would like that to be in Spring of 2025.
“I’m the No. 1 title contender and hopefully April or May next year we’re going to face each other,” Rakhmonov said.
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.