Islam Makhachev dismisses Shavkat Rakhmonov’s welterweight title snub claim with blunt response
Islam Makhachev didn't mince words when talking about Shavkat Rakhmonov recently:
UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev successfully defended his crown for the first time last month by defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. Since then, his consistent answer to questions about his next opponent were Micheal Morales or Carlos Prates for defending his title.
This, however, didn't quite sit right with Shavkat Rakhmonov, who in his recent interview with ALF Global admitted that he questions why he is not a part of those discussions. Makhachev, on the other hand, dismissed these claims by reminding about Shavkat’s knee braces during the interview.
Islam Makhachev Dismisses Rakhmonov’s Welterweight Title Snub
The Russian and the Kazakh are yet to have a face-off in the UFC despite having been linked to a potential fight agaimst each other numerous times.
After the undisputed welterweight champion’s win against Ian Machado Garry a historic main event at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Makachev, when asked by fans and interviewers about who will be next for him, and he has consistently answered Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.
However, in an interview with AFL Global Shavkat mentioned about his name not being in the talks and claimed that he is the toughest opponent to Islam. Makhachev soon clapped back.
"Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight, I want to respond to his interview,” Makhachev said to Match TV.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Still on the Shelf Almost Two Years Later
Rakhmonov withdrew from his welterweight title fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 and hasn't fought since a December 2024 win over Ian Machado Garry. Since then he has been plagued by continuous injuries to his knee.
Makhachev confirmed that he never said that he would not fight him. He needs to recover and he will become one of the contenders.
This controversy is even more important now that Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, has ranked ‘The Nomad’ as the toughest test for him.
Islam Makhchev's Head Coach Considers Shavkat to be Toughest Test
Head coach Mendez praised Ian Machado Garry after his match with Makhachev. Coach believes that the way the challenger carried himself on Aug. 15 only helped him to get in that focused, competitive mindset. Despite considering the fight with the Irishman to be the toughest fight of Makhachev’s career, he still considers Garry as the second toughest guy that they had to face in the welterweight division yet.
“I think Shavkat might be above him but let’s see what the new Shavkat comes through and remember, Shavkat had a hell of a time with him, he said on Weighing in.
That being said, the Russian’s mindset remains the same about the discussion can only go further after Shavkat has recovered.
