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Shavkat Rakhmonov believes that a potential matchup with Islam Makhachev would be extremely close. The undefeated Kazakh believes he has better striking than the UFC champion, though he also admits that the Russian would be the toughest possible opponent for him.
Rakhmonov was set to get his shot at the UFC welterweight title, but health issues derailed his plans. The organization had intended to match the Kazakh fighter against the then-champion Belal Muhammad, but an injury and the need for surgery ruled him out of the competition.
Muhammad later lost the title to Jack Delli Maddalena. However, the Australian did not hold the belt for very long, as he was defeated by Islam Makhachev in November 2025 at UFC 322.
Ian Machado Garry was the first to get a shot at the Russian’s title. The Irishman, whom Rakhmonov defeated in 2024, faced Makhachev at UFC 330 in Philadelphia but lost by unanimous decision.
At that time, the Kazakh fighter could only watch the developments in the welterweight division and continue his rehabilitation. However, he is convinced that he himself would have been able to give the champion a much tougher fight.
In an interview with Alfredo Auditore for ALF Global, Rakhmonov was asked about a potential matchup with Makhachev. The undefeated fighter respects the champion’s wrestling skills, but at the same time sees an area where he would have the advantage.
– I should be able to defend myself pretty effectively. On the other hand, you’re a good wrestler, Islam. I should still be able to handle it, though. I think my stand-up game is better than Islam’s. A fight would prove that. That’s my opinion. Of course, I don’t want to say too much. If we fight, we’ll fight. I truly believe that I’m currently the toughest opponent for Islam, and he’s also the toughest opponent for me personally,” said Rakhmonov.
The biggest question mark, however, remains the Kazakh fighter’s health. A series of injuries has severely slowed his career just as he was very close to a shot at the title. There are even suggestions that, due to health issues, Rakhmonov may have missed his best opportunity to reach the very top of the welterweight division.
Others, however, still believe that if injuries stop plaguing him, this undefeated fighter could become the UFC champion.
Rakhmonov’s team is currently aiming for a return in early 2027. Once his rehabilitation is complete, the Kazakh fighter will most likely face an opponent from the division’s top tier, and the stakes of such a bout could be a step closer to a title shot.
However, before he can resume his quest for the title, Rakhmonov must first and foremost make a full recovery.
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