Shavkat Rakhmonov believes he can beat Tyson Fury but not Francis Ngannou in MMA

Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of the most exciting talents to wash up on the UFC's shores in an incredibly long time. His record is 16-0, with 8 KO/TKO and 8 submission victories. Rakhmonov will hope to improve his record to 17-0 this weekend when he faces Geoff Neal at UFC 285.

During an interview with the media at UFC 285 fight week, Rakhmonov was given a list of current professional fighters and asked if he could beat them or not. Fighters such as Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, and Khamzat Chimaev were named, and the 'Nomad' instantly said that he could beat all three.

Shavkat Rakhmonov was also asked if he could defeat Francis Ngannou and heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, which brought a smile to his normally stoic disposition. Rather unsurprisingly, the 'Nomad' stated that he would lose to Ngannou. But he reversed his answer when it came to 'The Gypsy King,' as Rakhmonov stated he would defeat Fury in an MMA fight.

Watch the video below:

They gave Shavkat some fighters names and asked him if he would beat them. #UFC285 https://t.co/oOX5ITVL4Z

The 'Nomad' hails from Uzbekistan, and the surging welterweight contender holds a Master of Sport rank in combat sambo and MMA, the highest award given to a martial artist.

The versatility in techniques and weapons that Shavkat Rakhmonov has displayed in his four UFC fights has put the entire welterweight division on notice. He is currently ranked No.9 in the division, and a win over No.7-ranked Geoff Neal could see Shavkat Rakhmonov face a top-5 ranked opponent next.

Shavkat Rakhmonov responds to video of Laura Sanko gushing over his talent

Shavkat Rakhmonov has made a statement of intent in just four UFC fights and now occupies the 9th spot in the welterweight rankings.

The 'Nomad' has a 100% finishing rate and is currently 16-0. Rakhmonov's ability to decimate opponents on the feet, as well as the ground, has made him one of the most exciting talents the promotion has seen in many years.

Laura Sanko, a former MMA fighter who now operates as a UFC commentator and analyst, recently showered Rakhmonov with praise. Sanko previewed his upcoming bout with Geoff Neal at UFC 285 and said:

"Shavkat Rakhmonov, that man gives me chills. I've never interviewed him. I've never spoken to him, but I feel like I would get nervous, but I want to [interview him/speak to him]. He is 16 and 0. He has a 100 percent finish rate."

Watch the video below:

The 'Nomad' was asked if he had seen the video during his fight week media appearance and he said:

"Yes, of course, I saw that video. You know, what can I say? As a man, you always like when woman adores you. So, what else can I say? That's it."

Watch the video below:

Shavkat Rakhmonov reacts to a viral video of Laura Sanko praising him 😅

Full #UFC285 scrum ▶️ youtu.be/NZvIvJkFcTw https://t.co/P0eLPHSVVs