As the year 2024 draws to a close, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to deliver its final pay-per-view event of the year. UFC 310, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises to be a thrilling night of combat sports. The evening’s main event features a flyweight title bout between reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja and Japanese sensation Kai Asakura, who makes his highly anticipated UFC debut. However, the co-main event is generating just as much buzz, pitting two undefeated welterweights against each other: Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry.
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The Build-Up to UFC 310
UFC 310 is poised to be a monumental event, marking the culmination of a year filled with intense competition and unforgettable moments. The fight card is stacked with high-stakes matchups, including the welterweight co-main event between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry. This fight is not just a clash of undefeated records but also a battle for the number one contender spot in the welterweight division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov: The Uzbekistan Powerhouse
Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked No. 3 in the official UFC welterweight rankings, has been a force to reckon with since joining the UFC in October 2020. With an impressive record of 18-0, Rakhmonov has quickly risen through the ranks, thanks to his 100% finishing rate. In his six UFC outings, he has secured five submissions and one knockout, with only one fight making it to the third round.
Rakhmonov’s most recent victory came in December 2023, when he submitted former two-time UFC title challenger Stephen Thompson. This win solidified his position as a top contender in the welterweight division. Rakhmonov’s ability to finish fights early has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
Ian Machado Garry: The Irish Sensation
Ian Machado Garry, with a perfect record of 15-0, has made a name for himself under the UFC banner. The 27-year-old Irish fighter has secured eight wins in the UFC, with five decisions and three knockouts. His most recent victory was against Michael “Venom” Page at UFC 303, further cementing his status as a rising star in the welterweight division.
Garry’s journey in the UFC has been marked by his confidence and willingness to take on the toughest competitors. Initially compared to Conor McGregor, Garry has carved out his own identity as a fighter, earning respect and admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike.
The Rivalry and Build-Up
The build-up to the fight between Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry has been intense, with both fighters expressing their eagerness to face each other. Rakhmonov, in an interview with Ariel Helwani, revealed that Garry had called him out after his last win, wanting the fight to happen in December. Rakhmonov accepted the challenge, stating that he wanted to stay active and strengthen his position as the number one contender.
Garry, on the other hand, has been living the dream, with his face plastered on posters across Las Vegas. He expressed his excitement and determination to prove himself against Rakhmonov, stating that he wants people to remember him as one of the greatest fighters on Earth. Garry’s confidence and ambition have added an extra layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated matchup.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The betting odds for the Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry fight have seen significant shifts as the fight night approaches. Initially, Rakhmonov was the -290 betting favorite, with Garry coming in as a +215 underdog. However, as of the latest updates, Rakhmonov is now a -410 favorite, while Garry is a +260 underdog.
The big concern for Garry in this fight is his chin. While he has proven that he can take a punch, his tendency to rush in with his chin held high could be a vulnerability that Rakhmonov, with his superior striking and submission skills, could exploit. The prediction for this fight leans towards Rakhmonov securing a knockout victory, given his impressive finishing rate and Garry’s potential weakness.
The Main Event: Pantoja vs. Asakura
While the co-main event is generating a lot of buzz, the main event of UFC 310 is equally exciting. Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight title against Kai Asakura, who is making his UFC debut. Asakura, the former Rizin bantamweight champion, brings a wealth of experience and pedigree to the octagon, making this a highly anticipated bout.
Pantoja, the reigning flyweight champion, has been a dominant force in the division. His technical prowess and aggressive fighting style have made him a formidable opponent for anyone in the flyweight category. Asakura, on the other hand, is known for his explosive power and dynamic striking, making this a clash of contrasting styles.
Other Notable Fights on the Card
UFC 310 is packed with exciting matchups, featuring former champions and rising stars. Some of the other notable fights on the card include:
- Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov: In a rematch of their previous encounter, former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane faces Alexander Volkov. Their first fight was a closely contested battle, with Gane emerging victorious. This rematch promises to be just as intense, with both fighters looking to prove their dominance in the heavyweight division.
- Aljamain Sterling vs. Chris Weidman: Two former champions, Aljamain Sterling and Chris Weidman, will face off in a highly anticipated bout. Sterling, the former bantamweight champion, is known for his slick grappling and submission skills. Weidman, the former middleweight champion, is a well-rounded fighter with a strong striking and wrestling game. This fight promises to be a technical masterclass, with both fighters looking to secure a victory and move up the rankings.
The Impact of UFC 310
UFC 310 is set to be a defining moment in the careers of many fighters on the card. For Ian Machado Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov, the co-main event is a chance to prove their mettle and secure a title shot against the welterweight champion. For Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, the main event is an opportunity to cement their legacies in the flyweight division.
The outcomes of these fights will have significant implications for the UFC rankings and the future of the respective divisions. A victory for Garry or Rakhmonov could see them challenging for the welterweight title in their next fight. Similarly, a successful title defense for Pantoja or a championship win for Asakura could solidify their positions as the top fighters in the flyweight division.
The Future of Ian Machado Garry
For Ian Machado Garry, UFC 310 represents a pivotal moment in his career. A victory over Rakhmonov would not only boost his ranking but also establish him as a legitimate contender for the welterweight title. Garry’s confidence, skill, and determination have already earned him a loyal fan base, and a win at UFC 310 could catapult him to even greater heights.
Garry’s journey in the UFC has been marked by his willingness to take on the toughest challenges and his ability to overcome them. His fight against Rakhmonov is no exception, and a victory would further cement his status as one of the most exciting and talented fighters in the welterweight division.
Conclusion
UFC 310 promises to be an unforgettable night of combat sports, featuring some of the most exciting and talented fighters in the world. The co-main event between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry is a highly anticipated matchup, with both fighters looking to secure a victory and move one step closer to a title shot.
The main event, featuring Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, is equally exciting, with both fighters looking to prove their dominance in the flyweight division. With a stacked fight card featuring former champions and rising stars, UFC 310 is set to be a defining moment in the careers of many fighters.
For Ian Machado Garry, UFC 310 represents a pivotal moment in his career, with a victory over Rakhmonov potentially catapulting him to even greater heights. As the UFC closes out its 2024 pay-per-view schedule, fans can look forward to an exciting night of fights and the emergence of new contenders and champions in the world of mixed martial arts. Stay tuned for all the action and updates from UFC 310, and get ready for an unforgettable night of combat sports.
