5 reasons why the UFC should book Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Khamzat Chimaev

At UFC 285, Shavkat Rakhmonov announced himself to the world. He defeated Geoff Neal in an action-packed bout that ended via submission. After rocking and battering his opponent in a back-and-forth scrap, 'Nomad' secured a standing rear-naked choke to force 'Handz of Steel' to tap out.

After defeating his foe, the Kazakh phenom issued a public challenge to Colby Covington in his post-fight interview. While it was a sensible callout, he's unlikely to coax 'Chaos' back into the octagon to face him. Instead, other matchups should be explored. One such matchup could be a clash with another undefeated 170'er.

Khamzat Chimaev recently defeated Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout via first-round submission. Neither man has a clear next opponent moving forward. Thus, the UFC should consider matching 'Borz' up with 'Nomad'.

#5. It would be a rare high-level clash between undefeated fighters

Fights between undefeated fighters are more common in lower levels of MMA. Thus, fans are more likely to witness matchups between unbeaten mixed martial arts if they're both unranked. Once fighters are past a certain threshold, the UFC prioritizes the preservation of their undefeated streaks to maximize their value.

Shavkat vs Khamzat: do I even have to explain? Two undefeated beasts destined to fight eachother for the title https://t.co/WdBTHk2oP3

Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev are both undefeated welterweights with a breadth of fighting skills. The two men are on the cusp of a title fight and the next great title challenger could be crowned based on the result of a potential bout between them.

The fight could generate a tremendous amount of hype and server as an easy co-main event for a PPV helmed by only one title fight. If the UFC plays their cards right, they can schedule a future welterweight title fight as the headline bout while Rakhmonov and Chimaev face off in the co-main event.

#4. The bout could crown next-generation stars

The UFC is always searching for new stars to help generate revenue from PPVs. Typically, younger fighters are better-equipped to spearhead a new era of stardom. Older fighters have less time in their physical prime and they've also accumulated more damage due to the number of fights they've been in.

Shavkat Rakhmonov
16 fights
16 wins
16 finishes
8 KO finishes
8 submission finishes

As perfect & well rounded a resume as one could have. Now give us the inevitable fight of two future of welterweight 🔥
Shavkat Vs Khamzat Chimaev

#UFCVegas57 https://t.co/AoIOksMHqz

Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev are both young fighters in their late twenties. They can serve as the promotion's next generation of welterweight stars. If the two lock horns, the winner will be an undisputed needle-mover at 170 lbs. If the bout is competitive, the loser's stock won't fall.

Just as Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington were once regarded as the two most prominent welterweights in the world, 'Nomad' and 'Borz' could fill those roles in the future. Both Covington and Usman are in their mid-thirties edging towards a decline.

#3. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Khamzat Chimaev could be a marketable rivalry

Rivalries are some of the most reliable things that generate interest in bouts. While trash-talkers like Conor McGregor are always safer bets, even the Irishman has used heated rivalries and feuds to drive the success of his greatest PPV events. Jon Jones' highest-selling PPV was due to his feud with Daniel Cormier.

🇰🇿 Shavkat or Khamzat 🇸🇪

Choose your fighter!

Two elite, unbeaten, welterweight prospects. Who are you backing to have the better UFC career? https://t.co/1TsrizwyiA

While there's no animosity between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev, rivalries don't always emerge due to personal enmity. The moment the two clash and a winner emerges, the loser will be in an unfamiliar position. They will have something to prove and this could spark a competitive fire.

Defeating the man who handed them their first-ever professional loss would become more important than anything else. A potential rivalry would render a matchup a reliable attraction. Their first fight will generate interest, and their rematch will build off the success of their first clash.

#2. It would be Khamzat Chimaev's last chance at welterweight

UFC president Dana White recently expressed his approval over the idea of Khamzat Chimaev committing to a permanent middleweight move. After the Chechen's catastrophic weigh-in failure prior to UFC 279, his welterweight clash with Nate Diaz was scrapped and he fell slightly out of favor with the UFC.

Talks of 'Borz' as a potential double champion became nonexistent. Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov has emerged as a more reliable and professional character who conducts himself seriously. Despite the promotion's insistence that he commits to 185 lbs, he deserves one last chance to make things right.

@khamzat_chimaev missed weight BIG TIME… One of the worst weight misses in UFC history.

Status of the fight is currently up in the air. #UFC279 https://t.co/u1vqZwez5g

Chimaev claims that doctors stopped him from continuing his weight cut. If the UFC wants to show very little leniance while offering him a final chance at reassuring them, they can book him to face a difficult foe at 170 lbs like Shavkat Rakhmonov.

If he wins, the UFC will know that they have put all of their eggs in the right basket. But if Chimaev loses, the promotion will have a more reliable alternative in Rakhmonov.

#1. It would be a true title test for Shavkat Rakhmonov

While the Kazakh phenom's win over Geoff Neal was impressive, it wasn't worth earning him a crack at the divisional throne. Shavkat Rakhmonov needs one more win over a higher-ranked foe. Khamzat Chimaev has not set foot inside the octagon since September.

17 fights. 17 finishes. 9 submissions. Shavkat Rakhmonov calls for a title shot or Colby Covington next. #UFC #MMATwitter #UFC285 https://t.co/ywEDTmiw1x

Furthermore, 'Borz' doesn't have a single bout on the horizon. Shavkat Rakhmonov is in need of a signature win to become worthy of challenging the reigning welterweight titleholder. While he's an extremely skilled fighter, 'Nomad's ceiling remains unknown.

To warrant a title shot, he must prove it by defeating an opponent closer to the very top of the division. Khamzat Chimaev is the number-three ranked 170'er in the division. If 'Nomad' defeats him, there will be no denying him a chance to dethrone the divisional kingpin.