The unbeaten Kazakh mixed martial artist Shavkat Rakhmonov is still making waves in the UFC welterweight division and is expected to be a formidable presence in 2024. Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has a flawless professional record, recently cemented his standing by defeating Ian Machado Garry on December 7, 2024, at UFC 310. The fight, which took place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, confirmed Rakhmonov’s status as one of the division’s most dangerous fighters by showcasing his remarkable striking and grappling abilities.
The Initial Plan and Modifications
Shavkat Rakhmonov was originally scheduled to compete for the UFC Welterweight Championship against Belal Muhammad. Fans were excited to see how Muhammad, who had been a dominant force in the division, would fare against the rising star, so this matchup was highly anticipated. But because of a serious foot infection, Muhammad pulled out, leaving the UFC to scramble to find a suitable replacement. Potential opponents were discussed, and Kamaru Usman, a former champion, stated that he would be willing to fill in at short notice.
Usman Offers Rakhmonov a Battle
After losing three straight, including to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 recently, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman saw this as a chance to turn his career around. Usman, who is well-known for being willing to fight at short notice (he trained for Jorge Masvidal for six days at UFC 251), indicated interest in taking on Rakhmonov. Usman has called the possible bout an exciting challenge that could help him regain momentum in the division in interviews, such as his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo.
The fight did not happen, despite Usman’s eagerness and the interest of his fans. The UFC was unable to finalize a replacement opponent for the title fight due to logistical challenges and time constraints. The group consequently paired Rakhmonov with Ian Machado Garry, a talented fighter hoping to advance in the ranks.
The Battle Against Garry Ian Machado
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s battle with Garry was a powerful demonstration of his versatility and tactical skill. Rakhmonov established his will right away with well-timed strike combinations, constant pressure, and smooth transitions into grappling matches. Even though Garry showed tenacity and flashes of brilliant counteroffensive, Shavkat Rakhmonov’s overall superiority ultimately outclassed him.
Rakhmonov’s standing as a dominant force in the welterweight class was further solidified by the victory. His ability to remain composed under duress and take advantage of opportunities with clinical efficiency was praised by analysts. Now, both fans and experts are speculating about his future, especially if he will be given another opportunity to win the title in 2025.
Consequences for Welterweight Competition
There are important ramifications for the UFC welterweight scene from Shavkat Rakhmonov’s victory. He is an indisputable contender for the title because of his perfect record. He is a formidable opponent for Belal Muhammad and other elite fighters like Colby Covington and Khamzat Chimaev due to his combination of striking, grappling, and fight IQ.
In the meantime, Kamaru Usman’s willingness to compete highlights his tenacity and resolve to stay relevant in the title picture in spite of recent disappointments. Despite not facing Rakhmonov, his willingness to compete keeps him in the running for high-profile bouts in the future.
What Will Happen to Rakhmonov Next?
There is a lot of conjecture regarding Rakhmonov’s next opponent as 2025 draws near. If the winner fully recovers, the UFC may reschedule the title matchup with Belal Muhammad. As an alternative, Rakhmonov might compete against another strong candidate to strengthen his belt claim. He will almost certainly be the star of another significant event soon given his current momentum.
Rakhmonov’s ascent demonstrates how the UFC welterweight class is dynamic, with new competitors like him constantly changing the structure of the competition. One thing is certain as fans anxiously await formal announcements: Shavkat Rakhmonov is a name to keep an eye on as he advances toward UFC glory.
If you are interested for more: “Shavkat Rakhmonov: The Unstoppable Force Redefining
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