UFC insider makes eye-opening observation about Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov, points out stark contrast despite shared wrestling background
Shavkat Rakhmonov last entered the octagon defeating Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson via second-round submission at UFC 296 last December. While he appeared set to receive the first undisputed title opportunity and main event of his UFC career against Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 this weekend, the welterweight champion was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a bone infection in his foot.
'Nomad' will now face Ian Machado Garry in a five-round title eliminator that will serve as the co-main event. Chael Sonnen recently compared Rakhmonov to Khamzat Chimaev, noting that the former has not shown a preference for striking or grappling.
Speaking on his podcast, Beyond the Fight, the former three-time title challenger 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.'"
Sonnen continued:
"Whether we would have put Chimaev as a grappler or not, he made it very clear in the [Whittaker] fight, 'This is what I prefer to do.' Rakhmonov has really never made that clear. Rakhmonov kind of fights a full style with you... He can take the striking, but he can mix it in with the grappling."
Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov below (starting at the 5:57 mark):
Rakhmonov has finished each of his 18 opponents, with eight wins via knockout and 10 via submission. Meanwhile, Chimaev has finished 12 of his 14 opponents, with six knockouts and six submissions. Both fighters are seemingly closing in on the first title opportunity of their respective UFC careers.
Michael Chiesa weighs in on Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Garry
Michael Chiesa recently shared his thoughts on Shavkat Rakhmonov's upcoming clash with Ian Garry. The welterweight contender said on The Ariel Helwani Show:
"I think this is going to be the first time that Shavkat goes the distance and I say that with all due respect to him. I just think that Ian Garry, he's a tough out, he's elusive, he's confident. I think a lot of times the aura that Shavkat brings to the octagon can kind of break guys down in a sense.
"I mean, the guy is undefeated, all finishes. He can knock you out, he can submit you, he can do everything... Ultimately, in the end, I think Shavkat gets his hand raised. I think he's the more well-rounded fighter."
Check out Michael Chiesa's comments on Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Ian Garry below:
Chiesa added that Garry's confidence won't be broken if he loses a round or two. He noted that 'The Future's ability to keep Rakhmonov at range by changing stances and utilizing his kicks will be pivotal to his success.