Shavkat Rakhmonov brings up what happened in training in a confident clap back at Ian Garry's callout
Shavkat Rakhmonov has not entered the octagon since defeating Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson via second-round submission at UFC 296 last December. 'Nomad' appeared set to receive his first undisputed title opportunity and the first main event of his UFC career next month.
He was scheduled to face Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 before the welterweight champion was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury. The No.3-ranked welterweight is now looking for an opponent - potentially for an interim title bout.
Ian Garry was among those who threw his name in the mix before being booked to face Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC on ESPN 63 the following weekend. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on his self-titled show, Rakhmonov shared his reaction to the call-out, stating:
"To be honest, I don't care. I'm ready if it's going to be him after he wins his fight. If the date is good for both of us, we can do it. If he wants to try to take my zero, he can try, but I know the same thing is going to happen that's happened in the training. I'm going to keep it the same way and I'm pretty confident that I'm going to beat him."
Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments on facing Ian Garry below:
Rakhmonov and Garry are both undefeated in their mixed martial arts career, with the former finishing all 18 of his opponents. It is unclear if the UFC has an interest in pitting the welterweights against each other with no title on the line.
Shavkat Rakhmonov hoping to face Kamaru Usman for interim welterweight title at UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov remains without an opponent for UFC 310, however, he is hoping to face Kamaru Usman for the interim welterweight title. 'Nomad' recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show where he revealed his intentions, stating:
"I believe there is a worthy opponent available. I'm ready to save the card, too, if it's for the interim belt and I believe Usman is a worthy opponent who's also probably going to be ready to jump in to face me."
Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments on facing Kamaru Usman for the interim welterweight title below:
Rakhmonov's manager added that they are in ongoing negotiations with the promotion regarding the plan for UFC 310. Usman previously expressed interest in stepping in to face 'Nomad' on short notice.