5 potential opponents for Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310
UFC 310, which is set for Dec. 7, was supposed to see Belal Muhammad defend his welterweight title against Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, it was announced last week that Muhammad had pulled out of the bout with a bone infection.
Now that the 170-pound champion out, then, it's likely that the UFC will create an interim welterweight title - but who should Shavkat Rakhmonov face for it?
With the division relatively stacked with talent right now, there are no shortage of options to face 'Nomad'.
Here, then, are five potential opponents for Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310.
#5. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Sean Brady
While he doesn't have the most star power in the welterweight division, there's no disputing that Sean Brady is one of the most dangerous fighters at 170 pounds right now.
Arguably the best pure grappler in the division, Brady is currently ranked No. 5, a spot he ascended to after he defeated former title challenger Gilbert Burns. That fight was a very impressive showing for the native of Philadelphia, as he showed much-improved striking to go with his stifling grappling game. Overall, it was Brady's seventh UFC win in eight fights.
So, could Brady be the fighter that Dana White and company turn to for an opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov?
It'd be a relatively short turnaround for him given his fight with Burns took place on Sept. 7, three months before UFC 310. However, it's unlikely that Brady would turn the opportunity down.
Despite this, whether the UFC brass would choose him, given he isn't that popular with casual fans just yet, is debatable.
Brady is definitely a contender, but he might be a last resort of sorts here.
#4. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Machado Garry or Joaquin Buckley
The UFC Fight Night that has been booked for Tampa, Florida on Dec. 14 will see a headliner pitting Ian Machado Garry against Joaquin Buckley.
The two men are ranked in the top 10 at welterweight, with Garry riding a lengthy unbeaten run of 15 fights, and Buckley recently knocking out former title challenger Stephen Thompson.
It's clear that the winner of this one will definitely be considered a title contender. However, could the UFC scrap this fight and look to put one of these two against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 instead?
It's definitely a possibility, as the two men will be preparing to fight one week after UFC 310, meaning it wouldn't be too much of a shift for them to compete a week earlier. More to the point, both men are on serious runs and have plenty of momentum, and their striking-based styles could definitely test 'Nomad'.
However, given that Garry is ranked No. 7 and Buckley No. 9, there are a number of fighters ranked above them. Moreover, the Tampa event doesn't really have an alternative headliner.
There's definitely a possiblity one of these two could be pegged for an interim title fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov, but it feels like either man would be an outside bet.
#3. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Kamaru Usman
Almost immediately after Belal Muhammad had withdrawn from his welterweight title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, former titleholder Kamaru Usman took to his social media to make a cryptic post suggesting he was interested.
This was hardly a surprise given 'The Nigerian Nightmare' was widely rumored to be facing Muhammad at the event before 'Nomad' was officially announced as his next challenger.
So, could the UFC now put a bout between Rakhmonov and Usman together with an interim title on the line?
On the face of it, it could make sense. Usman is a near-legendary former champion, holding the title from early 2019 through to mid-2022, when he was finally defeated by Leon Edwards. In that sense, he'd be a tremendous scalp for Rakhmonov to attempt to claim.
However, the big issue is the fact that Usman has not fought since October 2023, and has not won a fight since his title defense against Colby Covington in November 2021.
The UFC is not exactly averse to allowing fighters coming off losses to take title shots, but it'd be hard not to find it jarring if Usman was selected to fight an unbeaten star like Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Therefore, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' wouldn't be a shocking choice for an opponent to face 'The Nomad', but it also wouldn't make much sense.
#2. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Jack Della Maddalena
It's arguable that if the UFC really wants to produce a fresh interim champion to eventually face Belal Muhammad, they would turn to Jack Della Maddalena to face Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Like 'Nomad', Della Maddalena is unbeaten in the octagon, with seven wins to his name. Most recently, he violently stopped Gilbert Burns with a knee strike, picking up his fifth bonus award in the process.
The Australian has long been considered a potential title contender, with the likes of Michael Bisping waxing lyrical over his striking skills. Based on what we've seen from him, there's no doubt that Della Maddalena could test Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, will the UFC give him that kind of opportunity?
His ranking - No. 4 - might mean it makes sense, but there's definitely a chance that Dana White and company will want to keep two unbeaten fighters apart for the time being.
Instead, it's more likely that the Aussie will be matched with someone like Usman next, meaning he'll have to wait a little longer for a title shot. If the promotion wants arguably the best possible fight, though, this is the way to go.
#1. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Leon Edwards
Coming from a logical standpoint, the best fight that the matchmakers could book for an interim welterweight title at UFC 310 would be Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Leon Edwards.
Edwards is, of course, the former titleholder in the division, having been unseated by Belal Muhammad this summer. Prior to that, 'Rocky' was riding a lengthy unbeaten streak dating back to 2014, and had beaten Kamaru Usman twice as well as defeating Colby Covington.
In many ways, Edwards arguably deserved a rematch against Muhammad, particularly given the odd start time of their fight potentially affecting his performance. However, the UFC chose against that, and booked an admittedly fresher fight between Muhammad and 'Nomad'.
With 'Remember the Name' now out, then, surely putting Edwards into his spot makes the most sense, assuming 'Rocky' will be ready for Dec. 7.
Basically, either Shavkat Rakhmonov will win, claim the interim title, and cement himself as the top contender, or Edwards would prove beyond a doubt that he warrants a rematch.
The only potential hold-up here could be the availability of the English fighter, but assuming he's good to go, Dana White and company should put this fight together as soon as they can.