Ian Machado Garry experienced a significant turning point in his mixed martial arts career as he faced Shavkat Rakhmanov in a closely contested bout that marked the first defeat in his UFC journey. The fight, which ended in a narrow points decision, saw Rakhmanov—who hails from Kazakhstan—secure the victory with each judge scoring the match 48-47 in his favor. This win improved Rakhmanov’s record to an impressive 19-0, making it notably clear that he had not been pushed to a decision in his prior fights, showcasing a knack for finishing opponents before the final bell.
Despite the setback, the Irish fighter Machado Garry left the octagon with his reputation largely intact. As the match progressed, it became clear that he was in desperate need of a stoppage in the final round. In a desperate bid for victory, he secured a choke hold that initially seemed capable of forcing Rakhmanov into submission. However, Rakhmanov showed resilience and successfully broke free from Garry’s grasp, maintaining his lead throughout the contest.
The initial rounds of the fight proved to be pivotal, characterized by minimal action as Machado Garry focused on defending against Rakhmanov’s takedown attempts while the Kazakh landed a few key strikes, giving him an edge early on. As the third round unfolded, Garry found his rhythm, using leg kicks effectively to dictate the pace of the fight. However, Rakhmanov’s success in executing three takedowns during the penultimate round allowed him to enter the final round with a two-round lead, eventually contributing to his unanimous decision victory.
Looking ahead, Rakhmanov’s career trajectory is set to culminate in a highly anticipated title shot against UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, with this championship encounter scheduled for 2025. This upcoming match is expected to gain significant attention in the MMA community as Rakhmanov aims to defend his perfect record against one of the best fighters in the division.
In another exciting bout from the weekend, Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja demonstrated his prowess by defending his title against the newcomer, Kai Asakura. Pantoja successfully submitted Asakura in the second round via a rear-naked choke, further solidifying his dominance in the flyweight division. With this victory, Pantoja now boasts a professional record of 30 wins and 5 losses, making it his seventh victory in title defenses, affirming his status as a formidable champion.
Aside from the thrilling fights, fans also seek ways to catch these UFC events from home. TNT Sports plays a crucial role in delivering UFC content in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of options for viewers. Fans can access up to four main channels—TNT Sports 1 through TNT Sports 4—as well as additional digital channels. TNT Sports also features the Ultimate channel, which provides select events in stunning 4K HDR quality, enhancing the viewing experience with nearly lifelike visuals and immersive Dolby Atmos sound.
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Finally, fans interested in catching up on past UFC events can sign up for UFC Fight Pass, which boasts the largest combat sports library in the world. This service allows fans to rewatch UFC events just 48 hours after they originally air, ensuring that MMA enthusiasts never miss out on the action. With multiple viewing options and events lined up for the future, fans of MMA will continue to be enthralled by the sport’s evolving landscape.
