Rakhmonov Fires Back After Champion Questions His Status
So, there’s been a bit of tension brewing in the UFC welterweight division, and Shavkat Rakhmonov has decided he isn’t staying silent about it. Let me walk you through what’s going on, because the story has unfolded in a pretty interesting way.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, still undefeated at 19-0 and one of the most dangerous men in the division, was originally supposed to fight Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title earlier this year at UFC 315. Everything was lined up, and fans were genuinely excited. But then an injury pulled him out of the fight, and that changed the entire trajectory of the division. In his place, Jack Della Maddalena stepped in — and he made the most of it. He ended up beating Muhammad and becoming the new welterweight champion.
Now fast-forward to UFC 322, where Della Maddalena is set to defend his belt for the first time against Islam Makhachev at Madison Square Garden. Naturally, as media coverage ramps up before the fight, he’s being asked about other contenders — and Rakhmonov’s name came up.
Also Read:- Ohio State Prepares for UCLA Showdown Amid Injury Challenges
- Scotland’s World Cup Hopes Live on After Dramatic Night in Greece
That’s when things got interesting. Della Maddalena basically suggested that the division has “moved on” from Rakhmonov because of his inactivity. He pointed out that fighters like Sean Brady and Ian Garry have been much more active, implying that it doesn’t make sense for Rakhmonov to remain at the top of the contender list if he’s not fighting consistently. The message was subtle but clear: activity matters, and Rakhmonov hasn’t been keeping pace.
Rakhmonov also highlighted that his last win came in a gritty, five-round performance against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, which kept him firmly in the contender conversation. So from his perspective, he hasn’t gone anywhere — and he certainly hasn’t been forgotten.
All of this adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already stacked welterweight picture. As UFC 322 takes center stage, the conversation isn’t just about the belt. It’s about who really deserves that next shot, and whether Rakhmonov’s road back to the top is about to get louder, sharper, and maybe even a bit personal.
It’s safe to say this rivalry has only begun heating up.
Read More:
0 Comments