Shavkat Rakhmonov, the formidable undefeated contender in the UFC`s competitive welterweight division, has articulated his immediate future plans with striking clarity and singular focus. Known for his flawless record and an uncanny ability to finish every opponent he has faced inside the Octagon, “Nomad” has firmly positioned himself at the doorstep of title contention.
Now, it appears the fighter himself believes he has surpassed the need for further tests against non-champions. Rakhmonov recently made a statement outlining his target, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding his next desired bout.
“If everything goes well, I want to return at the end of the year,” Rakhmonov stated, indicating a potential timeline for his return to action. He then specified his preferred opponent, albeit with a slightly perplexing reference: “I want to fight whoever wins the match between Della Maddalena and Makhachev.” While the pairing of welterweight contender Jack Della Maddalena and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev mentioned here might raise an eyebrow given the current divisional landscape, Rakhmonov`s subsequent declaration leaves absolutely no doubt about his ultimate objective.
He continued, making his non-negotiable requirement crystal clear: “If they say to wait— I will wait, but I will only go for the title. Other fights do not interest me.”
This declaration signifies a fighter supremely confident in his standing within the division. With a perfect professional record that includes a devastating 6-0 run in the UFC, all wins coming by knockout or submission, Rakhmonov feels his resume speaks for itself. He is effectively stating that any fight offered to him that is not for the undisputed UFC Welterweight Championship is not worth taking, even if it means a potentially lengthy layoff.
The current welterweight title picture involves champion Leon Edwards and likely next challenger Belal Muhammad. Rakhmonov`s stance positions him as a major threat waiting in the wings, content to observe how the immediate title picture unfolds. His willingness to be patient, but *only* for the ultimate prize, puts quiet pressure on the UFC matchmaking team. It reinforces his status not just as a contender, but as a fighter demanding the recognition his undefeated, dominant streak warrants.
In summary, Shavkat Rakhmonov has made his intentions unmistakably plain. The devastating force from Kazakhstan is not interested in gatekeepers or climbing incremental steps. His gaze is fixed solely on the gold. For Rakhmonov, the next fight must be for the UFC Welterweight Championship – anything less is simply not on his radar.
