Shavkat Rakhmonov responds to Ian Machado Garry's callout after UFC 303

Shavkat Rakhmonov is game to fight Ian Machado Garry.

After defeating Michael Page this past Saturday at UFC 303 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Garry (15-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) said he’d love the opportunity to bounce Rakhmonov out of the ranks of the unbeaten. Garry and Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) were former training partners at Kill Cliff FC before Garry made the move to Chute Boxe in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“Look, I’m going to have a chat with Hunter (Campbell) and Dana (White) later on, figure out what’s next,” Garry told reporters at the UFC 303 post-fight press conference. “There’s some big names. There’s some cool matchups. You know, there’s Shavkat, 18-0, undefeated. I’d love to get my hands on him. I’ve trained with him.

“I have nothing but respect for the guy, but I want to be the first guy to take his 0, and I know I can do it. I’ve just beat the fastest guy in the division other than me. When it comes to striking and skills, I can do it. When it comes to grappling, we’ve seen the growth that I’ve had. I’m excited to go out there and prove it against someone like him.”

Rakhmonov called for a title shot after submitting Stephen Thompson at UFC 296. He hinted at getting the better of Garry during their sparring sessions in Florida.

“Looks like Ian forgot what happened during those training sessions. I don’t mind reminding him in the future.”

Looks like Ian forgot what happened during those training sessions. I don’t mind reminding him in the future. https://t.co/B4a7GesXp4

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) June 30, 2024

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 303.