Michael Bisping believes Ian Machado Garry has a chance to win against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, but acknowledges that Garry’s path to victory is narrower due to Rakhmonov’s superior grappling skills and ability to dictate the fight’s pace.
Michael Bisping isn’t ruling out Ian Machado Garry’s chances at UFC 310, but he sees a tougher road to victory compared to Shavkat Rakhmonov. The fight, hastily arranged as the co-main event for the year’s last UFC pay-per-view, will determine the next welterweight title contender. The winner is set to face champion Belal Muhammad, who’s sidelined with a foot infection until next year.
Both fighters boast impressive undefeated records, but Bisping leans towards Rakhmonov, especially if he controls the fight’s pace and location. “Respect to Ian Garry,” Bisping shared on his YouTube channel. “He didn’t have to take this fight, but can he stop the takedown? That’s the big question.”
Standing tall at 6-foot-3, both Garry and Rakhmonov are skilled strikers. Yet, Bisping feels Garry might need to replicate his strategy against Geoff Neal—dancing around the octagon and avoiding takedowns. If he can’t keep Rakhmonov at bay, it could spell trouble for Garry.
Bisping acknowledges Garry’s potential strategy might work against others in the division. But it’s risky against someone like Rakhmonov. Undefeated in six UFC bouts, Rakhmonov has finished every opponent, mostly by submission. If he applies those same tactics against Garry, he’s likely headed for victory and a title shot in 2025.
“[Ian Garry] might dance around, use reach and movement,” Bisping commented. “But if Shavkat gets a hold of him, it’s lights out.” Referencing Rakhmonov’s last fight against Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson—a master of takedown defense—Bisping noted how Rakhmonov methodically secured a clinch and took control.
The key question remains: Can Ian Garry stop the takedown? If not, one fighter’s undefeated streak will end—and it might be Garry’s. To avoid this fate, Bisping suggests Garry focus on a less thrilling yet effective game plan.
A Fight of the Night doesn’t mean much if Garry loses. So Bisping advises sticking to basics despite potential boos from the Vegas crowd. “[Ian Garry] does have a path to victory using range,” Bisping said. “The crowd will boo, but winning is all that matters.”