The fight started slowly as Rakhmonov liked to take the fight to the fence and Garry Machado was hesitant to pull the trigger. His lack of activity allowed Rakhmonov to conserve some energy and attracted much criticism.

Machado Garry caused a little more excitement in the second round. He opened his attack and was able to get some decent offense on some media maps to win the round.

Garry’s success in the third frame gave Rakhmonov a little more energy. He took Garry down, landed some ground and pound, and delivered another important round to set up a fifth round.

Machado Garry had to finish in the fifth round. Although he didn’t manage to get one, he almost missed a rear-naked choke that made for some great back-and-forth action in the final round.

Rakhmonov should be celebrated for winning this fight in the first place. The 30-year-old was originally scheduled to face welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in the main event of UFC 310, but Muhammad pulled out of the bout due to a foot injury.

Rakhmonov could have simply waited for Mohammed to become active again. No one would blame him for holding out for the title, but he still opted for a replacement fight and stayed on the card.

Now it is obvious that he will face Muhammad in his first title defense.

It was important for Rakhmonov to get back in the cage. After his victory over Stephen Thompson in December 2023, he took some time off. The aspirant realized that getting his body in order was a good decision and prepared for the opportunities ahead.