Alexander Volkanovski breaks down the grappling aspect of Shavkat Rakhmonov

“Ian Garry’s proved that he has the wrestling and the grappling as well,” Volkanovski said. “Is it enough [to be on] Shavkat’s level? Because Shavkat I’ve heard, I think Craig Jones told me about it, or through some [other people], Shavkat’s got some serious groundwork. Really good wrestling, and really good grappling.”

Garry has worked his way up to the top of the division with relative ease. He holds wins against some of the division’s best, including Geoff Neal and Michael Page. A win secures him a title shot and a chance to join Conor McGregor as Ireland’s second UFC champ.

As for Rakhmonov, he enters the fight having finished all 18 of his opponents and holds key wins against notable names, including former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson, among others.

The bout will be contested across five rounds, as it is a rare non-title fight with championship stakes attached.

Belal Muhammad was originally scheduled to fight Rakhmonov before a foot injury sidelined him until early 2025. He won the welterweight title in July, defeating then-champion Leon Edwards in England to begin a new era in the division.

Who will walk away victorious in the co-main event?