Shavkat Rakhmonov Says Islam Makhachev’s Weight Class Change Affected His Title Shot
Shavkat Rakhmonov said he was set for a title shot, but didn't get it primarily due to Islam Makhachev changing weight classes
Shavkat Rakhmonov feels he would have already received his shot at the welterweight gold, had Islam Makhachev not entered the title scenario. The Kazakh fighter opined that the UFC's backing for Makhachev ultimately led to the sidelining of his name from a title shot.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Accuses Islam Makhachev of Having UFC Privilege
Rakhmonov proved his worth in the UFC by maintaining his undefeated record despite facing welterweight veterans like Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny. His victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 portrayed him as one of the most deserving contenders for a shot at then-welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. However, Makhachev announced his arrival in the division around this time and was fast-tracked to a title shot at UFC 322.
Rakhmonov talked about Makhachev being provided the title opportunity during his conversation with Alfredo Auditore on the ALF Global podcast. He mentioned how the UFC favored Makhachev over him, saying, "The situation in the division changed. Topuria moved up to 70kg , and they asked Islam to fight Maddalena. But actually, I was supposed to fight Maddalena."
However, the Kazakh welterweight also saw the legitimate reason behind Makhachev's UFC "privilege." He said, "Islam still has a bit more privilege than I do, because he was the 70 kg champion."
Shavkat Rakhmonov says he was originally supposed to fight Jack Della Maddalena, but the situation changed after Ilia Topuria moved up to lightweight and Islam Makhachev was given the opportunity instead.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 6, 2026
Shavkat believes Islam had more privilege as the former lightweight… pic.twitter.com/rw9iGKkYFg
Rakhmonov still didn't give up on the narrative that he was more deserving of the title shot than Makhachev, when the latter was provided with it at UFC 322. He said, "Of course, I like Islam as a person, but the most serious contender, the one who deserved it, was me. Maybe I haven't fought in a year, but I won seven fights in the UFC."
While 'Nomad' also counted himself as Makhachev's toughest opponent at welterweight and vice versa, it will be interesting to see if the Dagestani manages to continue his welterweight reign till Rakhmonov's potential return in 2027, which would create the perfect scenario for a title encounter between them.
