Shavkat Rakhmonov emerged victorious over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, securing his spot as the top contender in the welterweight division and setting up a clash with champion Belal Muhammad.
Following his win over Garry, Shavkat and Belal confronted each other in the cage in a somewhat awkward exchange, marred by security interference and language barriers, as fans voiced their disapproval.
Some spectators may have been disappointed by the lack of a quick, decisive finish from Rakhmonov, who faced Garry without ease for the first time in his professional career of 19 fights. Critics speculated that Garry’s underestimated skills and Rakhmonov’s undisclosed injury may have contributed to the unexpected outcome.
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier revealed in a recent YouTube video discussing UFC 310 that Rakhmonov had suffered an MCL tear going into the fight.
Cormier remarked, “If I’m Belal Muhammad, I’m actually kinda happy watching this fight tonight. Because Shavkat Rakhmonov did not look like himself. Even though, I learned after, that he had an injury. I think he might have tore his MCL going into the fight.”
He added, “Granted, with a torn ligament in your knee, you’re not gonna look like the killer that you looked like in fights prior.”
An MCL tear can significantly impact agility and risk further injury during competition. The severity of MCL tears varies, with some fighters opting out of competing altogether to avoid exacerbating the injury.
Rakhmonov did not mention his knee injury at the UFC 310 post-fight press conference but hinted at a potential return in April or May of the following year.
He stated, “I’m the No. 1 title contender, and hopefully April or May of next year we’re gonna face each other.”
The true test will come when Rakhmonov’s knee is thoroughly evaluated post-adrenaline rush, to confirm if the anticipated timeline for his return holds.
