A Lesson in Questionable Decision-Making
Ian Garry’s preparation for UFC 310 has taken a turn that might make even the most unconventional strategists scratch their heads. Let’s break down his bold approach, with a touch of sarcastic admiration for the welterweight title contender.
Training Camp Location
Instead of training in the United States, where he’s set to fight on December 7th, Ian decided to hold his camp in Thailand. Why? Apparently, his friend Chris Curtis flew there to train, so Ian followed suit—bringing along his wife, child, and even his wife’s ex-husband. A true family man, no doubt.
Here’s the kicker: Ian was already in the U.S. He could’ve stayed at one of the world’s top gyms in Kill Cliff FC, where countless sparring partners are available. Yes, Shavkat Rakhmonov trains there too, but fighters from the same gym have clashed before—training schedules can be adjusted. Instead, Ian opted to hop on a long-haul flight, dramatically changing his time zone, climate, and routine, only to fly back and reset everything right before the fight. Truly the work of a modern day MMA genius.
Strategic Match-Up
Garry faces Shavkat Rakhmonov, a fighter who, by most accounts, has bested him in grappling during training before. While training results aren’t the ultimate predictor of fight outcomes, Rakhmonov’s dominance on the ground is no secret. So what’s Ian’s preparation strategy? A camp focused on striking—with Chris Curtis and Thai fighters. Because nothing screams “ready for elite grappling” like a Muay Thai crash course.
Where Did It Go Wrong?
In fairness, you can’t fault Ian for thinking outside the box—after all, genius often borders on madness. But when the plan includes wrecking your biological rhythms, stretching logistical sanity, and avoiding tailored sparring opportunities, you can’t help but wonder if the calculations were just a bit off.
Ian Garry’s choices may defy conventional wisdom, but who are we to question brilliance? If this works, he will have redefined fight preparation. If not, well, at least he’s shown us how not to plan for a high-stakes bout. We will find out Saturday night!
