Vicente Luque is aware of Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry effectively from coaching with each for an extended time period in Florida — and nonetheless does with Rakhmonov —, and he thinks the combat is way nearer than some anticipate.
Rakhmonov was scheduled to problem welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 on Dec. 7, headlining the ultimate pay-per-view of the in Las Vegas, and requested for a brand new opponent for the interim strap when the champion pulled out. Garry stepped in, no belt on the road, they usually now face in what’s probably a No. 1 contender conflict to find out who faces Muhammad in 2025.
Rakhmonov, Garry and Luque skilled beneath the identical roof at Kill Cliff FC earlier than the Irishman moved to Brazil to affix Chute Boxe. The 18-0 expertise from Uzbekistan remains to be a part of the Florida staff, coaching with Luque each day.
The Brazilian will even compete on the Dec. 7 card, taking over short-notice alternative Themba Gorimbo, and received’t touch upon how Garry and Rakhmonov did in opposition to one another in coaching “as a result of that stays within the health club”. He, nonetheless, will break down the combat “based mostly on what I’ve felt” coaching with each welterweights.
“Garry has a slight benefit on the toes, however not large, as a result of he’s extra versatile, has good pace and management of the gap and a few unpredictable strikes, however Shavkat has nice putting too,” Luque stated in an interview with MMA Preventing. “Ian has the benefit [on the feet], however it’s not like he’ll run by way of him. After we discuss wrestling and the bottom, that’s the place I believe Shavkat is way superior. From what I’ve felt in coaching, he’s means superior.
“Ian was nonetheless very uncooked on the bottom, however I haven’t skilled with him for 2 years. He was in Brazil coaching with the Chute Boxe guys, Charles ‘do Bronx’ [Oliveira], so I’m positive he has sharpened his floor quite a bit.”
Garry was initially slated to headline UFC Tampa versus Joaquin Buckley every week later, seeking to prolong his UFC profitable streak after profitable his first eight contained in the octagon, however Luque now sees him because the underdog at UFC 310 based mostly on the grappling arsenal.
“That’s why I put Shavkat as the favourite, however I’ll by no means rule Ian out,” Luque stated. “He’s a proficient man who learns quite a bit on the stand-up, and I believe that’s the trail to victory for him. However the sport as an entire, Shavkat is extra full and even has extra expertise. I’d put him as the favourite on this combat.”
At 30 years of age and 6-0 with six finishes within the UFC in opposition to the likes of Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal and Neil Magny, Rakhmonov is seen by many as a future champion at welterweight. Luque agrees he has all of the potential, however can’t underestimate a person like Muhammad.
“He positively has the sport to develop into champion and somebody like that may, in principle, beat everybody, however a combat is a combat,” stated Luque, who went 1-1 in opposition to Muhammad within the octagon. “I see him with all of the instruments to beat Belal. He has the arrogance excessive, and that’s a bonus. On the identical time, Belal has stunned me many instances, together with our final combat. I used to be well-trained and assured, and he defeated me that night time. I didn’t anticipate him to beat ‘Durinho’ [Gilbert Burns] both.
“Belal is evolving quite a bit, he’s a resilient man who has gone by way of some robust fights and troublesome moments he needed to overcome. I believe that strengthens his psychological, a man that received’t give up and is difficult to beat. Logic says Shavkat has the whole lot to develop into champion, however Belal is hard and is giving all people a tough combat, so I can’t rule him out. I’d keep [on the fence], it’s a 50-50 combat.”
