- The Irishman is set to be supported by having a UFC legend in his corner
- Ian Machado Garry is attempting to defend his unbeaten record in Las Vegas
- Kazakhstan star Shavkat Rakhmonov is determined to end Garry’s record
Ian Machado Garry will be backed by having a UFC legend in his corner for his weekend clash against unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov in Las Vegas.
The Irish welterweight superstar will take on Kazakhstan competitor Rakhmonov on Saturday with the pair going head-to-head for the interim championship belt.
Both stars head into the bout boasting unbeaten records and a huge crowd is expected to watch the pair fight it out in brutal fashion, with Garry being supported by an icon of the sport.
Garry has been preparing for the fight in Thailand and will head to Vegas with a former lightweight champion in his corner after the pair previously worked extensively together in Brazil.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise through the UFC ranks on his way to being within touching distance of a title showdown with reigning champion Belal Muhammad if he can overcome Rakhmonov.
He has now revealed that Charles Oliveira will be in his corner for the contest and hailed the Brazilian legend as an ‘absolute savage’ while also tipping the fight to be decided in the latter rounds.
Ian Machado Garry will be backed by having a UFC legend in his corner for his weekend clash
Garry will be the underdog as he tries to defend his unbeaten record against Shavkat Rakhmonov (pictured)
‘I read a stat the other day: Charles Oliveira went to the fourth round for the first time in his career after his 46th UFC fight,’ Garry told his YouTube channel.
‘That’s insane. The guy is a machine. … I f*****g love and adore Charles Oliveira with all of my heart.
‘He is absolutely the most entertaining fighter in the UFC. … Man has never been in an un-entertaining fight,’ he added.
‘He’s an absolute savage, I love him, and he’s going to be in my corner for this fight.
Garry will be supported by having UFC icon Charles Oliveira (pictured) in his corner
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise through the UFC ranks on his way to being within touching distance of a title showdown
‘I think God has a plan, and if God wants me to finish Shavkat, he will give it to me. But I have no problem thumping it out of Shavkat for 25 minutes and making a statement,’ said Garry.
The Dublin-born combat star will be hoping to keep the fight on its feet for as long as possible knowing that Rakhmonov is a submission specialist having won 10 out of his 18 fights by making his opponent tap.
Rakhmanov was originally set to fight Muhammed for the welterweight title in UFC 310’s main event only for the reigning belt holder to pull out after suffering a bone infection.
However, unlike Garry, he has never gone the distance in any contest and many believe the Irishman will hold the advantage the longer the fight progresses.
