Someone's O's Gotta Go: We're now just days away from another stacked UFC PPV, one featuring an undefeated Kazakh finisher versus an undefeated Irish prodigy in the co-main.
Having trained together countless times, it's fair to say that 'Nomad' and 'The Future' know each other's game quite well – although Ian Machado Garry has now revealed an intriguing private conversation he once had with the Kazakh coach in Florida.
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UFC 310 Countdown: Garry motivated by conversation with Rakhmonov's coach
Even when Ian Machado Garry started in the UFC, he was looking for a home base to refine his skills and settled, albeit temporarily, at Kill Cliff FC in Florida – the same MMA gym that already hosted Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“When I got there, Shavkat was also training there, me and Shavkat trained a lot together. [and] I think he is a phenomenal fighter,” Machado Garry said on Countdown, revealing that Rakhmonov's coach already considered them both future champions.
“Henri Hooft told me that Shavkat Rakhmonov and he had a conversation [in which] he said: 'Shavkat knows that one day you will be a champion, but he says first I and later he.'
“It's a shame that one of us has to lose [at UFC 310]but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he doesn't raise his hand.
Garry remains one of the most confident fighters on the entire UFC roster and 'The Future' is eager to prove his worth by upsetting the bookmakers on December 7 as the significant underdog in the betting.
“There are people walking this earth who have just been given talent, and I believe I am one of them… When it comes to confidence, you have to tell the world what you are going to do and go do it.
“My goal in the fight is to leave a legacy where it is indisputable that I am one of the greatest of all time – my rise has been perfect so far, but there is so much more to come… I am ready , I was born ready for this opportunity [and] I am telling you now, on December 7, that I am going to beat Shavkat.”
UFC 310 Countdown: Shavkat Rakhmonov believes he is far from perfect
Contrary to Garry's outspoken nature, Rakhmonov hasn't really discussed the training sessions with his UFC 310 opponent; instead, he chose to use his time on Countdown to build up the fallout from his upcoming victory.
“Fans in Kazakhstan have been waiting for someone to represent our country, and Kazakh fans want someone to show some exciting, worthy fights in the UFC… The reason [why] I finish my fights because I'm a versatile fighter – now I'm ready to secure my spot as number one contender.
Despite boasting a perfect professional record of 18-0, Rakhmonov believes he is far from a finished product – a truly terrifying prospect when you consider that 10 of those 18 wins have come via (often brutal) stoppages.
“I have been training at Kill Cliff gym for about three years. There are a lot of fighters at my level and the competition is tougher here. I think I have enough skills, but I need to keep improving them; This sport does not stand still, so it is important to continuously develop skills in all areas.”
As aptly noted by the popular Kazakh: “In this weight class I am a problem for everyone.”
But can Garry be the first to solve that problem? Find out on December 7 when the promotion returns to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for UFC 310: Pantoja vs Asakura.
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