Shavkat Rakhmonov has given his two cents on what he would do in a potential bout against reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

The Kazakh phenom, who has not fought in nearly 2 years due to back injuries and was also removed from the UFC rankings a few months ago, has undergone another surgery, and following recovery and rehabilitation, he is now back in the gym and is expected to return to the octagon in early 2027.

(Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images) & (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

During a recent sit-down with ALF Global, “Nomad” briefly explained what he will do in a potential bout with Makahchev. The undefeated 170-pounder believes he is better than Makahchev in the striking department and will also be able to stuff the P4P king’s takedown when they lock horns. He said:

“I should be able to [takedown] defend myself quite effectively. I’ll do pretty well. I think my stand-up is better than Islam’s.”

Rakhmonov believes he is the “toughest” challenge for the two-division UFC champ and also confessed:

“[Makhachev is] also the toughest opponent for me personally.”

Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov’s comments about Islam Makhachev below:

Shavkat Rakhmonov considers himself the “most serious contender,” highlights where Islam Makhachev went wrong

During the same interview, “Nomad” added that he didn’t like how Islam Makhachev, after becoming the UFC welterweight champion, didn’t consider him the most deserving 170-pound contender, just because Rakhmonov hasn’t fought in a year. Instead, Makhachev wanted to defend his title against Kamaru Usman, Michael Morales, or Carlos Prates. About that, Rakhmonov added:

“Islam became champion. He was doing some strange things that I didn’t like. Of course, I like Islam as a person, but the most serious contender, the one who deserved it, was me. Maybe I haven’t fought in a year, but I won seven fights in the UFC.”

Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov’s comments below:

Who is Islam Makhachev going to fight next?

Islam Makhachev is expected to make the second defense of his UFC welterweight title potentially later this year or super early next year. After his UFC 330 win, the 34-year-old made it clear that he suffered no major injuries while going five rounds with Ian Machado Garry and expects to fight again soon.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 15: Islam Makhachev of Russia reacts after a victory against Ian Machado Garry of Ireland in the UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 330 event at Xfinity Mobile Arena on August 15, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

He’s expected to lock horns with top contender Carlos Prates. “The Nightmare” is riding a three-fight win streak and has knocked out 2 former UFC champions back-to-back.

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.