Top UFC welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov is eager to claim the championship and aims to do so as soon as possible. Boasting a perfect 100% finishing rate, Rakhmonov is determined to maintain that dominance as champion. Unfazed by who stands across from him, he’s ready to take on anyone, including the pound-for-pound number one, Islam Makhachev.
Shavkat Rakhmonov made his MMA debut in 2014 at the M-1 Challenge 52. He faced Adam Tusrov and won the fight via submission. In an old viral video, he embraced Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov. Regardless of this connection, Rakhmonov will fight the lightweight champion if required.
If Islam himself wants to fight, why not?… I myself don’t strive for it, since I treat everyone well. But if he has a desire to move up, I won’t refuse.
Shavkat Rakhmonov via Adam Zubayraev
Islam Makhachev had always wanted to move up and fight for the title of double champion. However, Belal Muhammad ruined his ambitions once he became champion. Muhammad is currently slated to defend his title against Rakhmonov at UFC 310. If the ‘Nomad’ can dethrone the champion, Makhachev’s motivation to become a double champion may be reignited.
Shavkat Rakhmonov says he’d be down to fight Islam Makhachev if he wins the welterweight title 👀
“If Islam himself wants to fight, why not?… I myself don’t strive for it, since I treat everyone well.
But if he has a desire to move up, I won’t refuse.”
🎥 @AdamZubayraev… pic.twitter.com/cOgJ7Qm0IQ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 16, 2024
Rakhmonov isn’t actively seeking a fight with Makhachev, but he won’t shy away if the Dagestani challenges him. Rakhmonov and Makhachev have dominant fighting styles, which intrigues a potential matchup. Despite Rakhmonov’s deep respect for Team Khabib, with whom he has previously trained, the dynamic changes entirely once they step into the octagon.
Shavkat Rakhmonov questions Khabib Nurmagomedov’s GOAT contention
Khabib Nurmagomedov is undoubtedly one of the most dominating champions in the history of UFC. Many fans consider him the GOAT of MMA. However, this discussion has been quite inconsistent. Various reasons, such as career length and level of competition, often refute his contention as the GOAT.
While Nurmagomedov retired undefeated at 29-0, some feel his record lacks the longevity and number of championship defenses. Compared to other UFC greats such as Jon Jones and Georges St-Pierre, Nurmagomedov’s resume looks underwhelming. Shavkat Rakhmonov had a similar opinion when he was asked about Khabib Nurmagomedov being the UFC GOAT.
I wouldn’t say Khabib is the greatest but if I think he had two or three more fights, defended his belt a few more times or went to a higher division and got the belt there, then yeah. But you don’t think he has done enough to be called the greatest.
Shavkat Rakhmonov via James Lynch
Nurmagomedov, however, was a great role model for fans outside the octagon, which boosted his fan following. Now, his teammate, Islam Makhachev, is on the same path of greatness. This makes the potential title fight between Makhachev and Rakhmonov even more exciting than it is already.
