Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated force rapidly ascending the UFC welterweight ranks, has issued a clear and unequivocal statement regarding his future aspirations: the only fight that interests him is for the divisional championship.
Known for his perfect record and a rare 100% finish rate in his professional career, “The Nomad” has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous contenders at 170 pounds. Having seemingly dispatched every opponent put before him within the distance, his focus is now laser-sharp, bypassing potential contendership bouts in favor of the ultimate prize.
In recent comments, Rakhmonov outlined his timeline and preferred path, conditioned strictly on its destination. He expressed a desire to return to competition towards the end of the year. Crucially, he specified his interest in facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Makhachev. However, this interest comes with a significant caveat.
“If everything goes well, I want to return at the end of the year. I want to fight whoever wins the match between Della Maddalena and Makhachev,” Rakhmonov stated. “If they say to wait— I will wait, but I will only go for the title. Other fights do not interest me.”
This declaration underscores a strategic patience often seen in top-tier contenders who believe they are just one step, or perhaps even no steps, away from a title opportunity. Rakhmonov is signaling to the UFC matchmakers and the rest of the division that he is no longer interested in navigating the lower rungs of the top 10. His gaze is fixed solely on the champion.
While targeting the winner of another significant contender clash might appear as a standard path, Rakhmonov`s condition transforms it. He is not simply looking for his next opponent; he is looking for his opponent *for the title*, or at least the final, undeniable step that guarantees a title shot immediately thereafter. His willingness to wait for the correct scenario, rather than taking another non-title fight for activity, highlights his confidence and commitment to securing championship gold next.
In a division as stacked as welterweight, matchmaking complexities are abundant. A top contender openly prioritizing only the title fight can simplify one`s own decision-making while simultaneously adding a unique challenge for the promotion assembling fight cards. Rakhmonov`s stance leaves little room for negotiation regarding stepping stone opponents. The question now is whether the UFC will align its plans with the aspirations of its undefeated, finishing phenom.
Rupert Hartwell