"We're all learning"- Ian Machado Garry drops bombshell on Shavkat Rakhmonov's submission claims, makes fiery prediction for UFC 310 fight
Undefeated UFC welterweight rising star Ian Machado Garry has the same air of confidence upon him that's akin to his Irish MMA predecessor, Conor McGregor. Rarely do we see Garry admit to losing or failing in any aspect of his life - let alone in the training room.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT MMA, Garry did exactly that. In a rare moment of transparency, he admitted to having been submitted by his UFC 310 opponent, Shavkat Rakhmonov, back when they were still training together.
On whether or not Rakhmonov submitted him in training, Garry said:
"Yes, it's training. Dude, if I tell you all the people that I have absolutely burned and choked in training, you would say I'm the best fighter already. The truth is, we're all learning, practicing in training."
Garry explained that in the training room, the goal is to learn and become better - not kill each other. The intensity of the exchanges is largely tapered down to make way for practicing techniques. If Rakhmonov wants to hold on to the fact that he choked out the Irishman in the gym two years ago, he'll be in for a wild surprise on fight night.
Check out Ian Machado Garry's comments below (3:48):
Ian Machado Garry provides his prediction for fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310
After admitting that the rumors were true, Ian Machado Garry predicted how the fight would go down at UFC 310. Showing the confidence he's been known for, 'The Future' showed no signs of worry as he predicted a smooth ride through the undefeated Kazakh warrior.
On being asked how he plans to win this weekend, Garry said (4:47):
"By just having fun. I am just gifted and talented and the more I smile and the more I have fun and enjoy myself, the worst of the night is going to be for Shavkat Rakhmonov."
Garry was scheduled to face Joaquin Buckley at UFC on ESPN 63 on Dec. 14 but was called to replace UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad at UFC 310. Muhammad was supposed to defend his belt against Shavkat Rakhmonov but had to pull out due to injury.
Rakhmonov vs. Garry is one of the few undefeated vs undefeated bouts the UFC has put together in history. Garry has 15 wins with seven KOs, one submission, and seven decisions. As for Rakhmonov, the Kazakh boogeyman has a 100% finishing rate, boasting 18 wins with eight KOs and 10 submissions.