"I believe he's the strongest opponent" - Shavkat Rakhmonov wanted to face "former champion" at UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov has not entered the octagon since last December when he defeated Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson via second-round submission at UFC 296. It appeared that he would receive the first undisputed title opportunity of his UFC career against Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 this weekend. However, the welterweight champion suffered a bone infection in his foot and was forced out of the bout.
While 'Nomad' will now face Ian Garry in a five-round title eliminator, he recently revealed that he was hoping Kamaru Usman was his opponent. Speaking to Mike Heck of MMA Fighting, Rakhmonov was asked who he would have faced if given the choice. He responded:
"Usman because he is higher ranked than me. He's a former champion and I believe he's the strongest opponent from the four of them [Usman, Garry, Colby Covington and Carlos Prates]. That's why I wanted this fight."
When asked for his prediction for his upcoming clash, the No.3-ranked welterweight stated:
"It will end with my hand being raised. You know, with my victory."
Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments on which opponent he preferred below:
Usman had initially expressed interest in stepping in on short notice before ultimately deciding against it. The former welterweight champion has been inactive since last October when he moved up a weight class on 10 days' notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.
Chael Sonnen compares Shavkat Rakhmonov to Khamzat Chimaev
Shavkat Rakhmonov has displayed a well-rounded fighting style during his mixed martial arts career. Chael Sonnen recently compared him to Khamzat Chimaev, noting that 'Nomad' has not shown whether he prefers to strike or grapple.
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, Beyond the Fight, the mixed martial arts analyst stated:
"Against a really great striker in 'Wonderboy' - and yes, Rakhmonov elected to take the fight to the ground, that's true - but was there a point in the fight on the feet where Rakhmonov was in trouble? No. No, he could handle himself there. Chimaev, over time, has really shown us - the Robert Whittaker fight made it very obvious - 'this is what I prefer to do'... Rakhmonov has really never made that clear. Rakhmonov kind of fights a full style with you."
Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov below (starting at the 5:57 mark):
Sonnen added that Rakhmonov can thrive in both striking and grappling exchanges. The No.3-ranked welterweight has finished all 18 of his previous opponents, with eight knockout victories and ten submission victories.