The welterweight division just got a whole lot hotter and it’s not because of a new title fight announcement.
It’s because Shavkat Rakhmonov has officially clapped back at Islam Makhachev’s recent comments… and he did not hold back.
Earlier this week, welterweight champion Islam Makhachev gave his thoughts on Shavkat’s year-long absence and his push for a title shot. Islam said that Rakhmonov “should fight one more time” before challenging for the belt, pointing to his long layoff due to injury. But he also added that if the UFC wants the fight, he’s ready to defend his title against Shavkat.
A respectful statement… until Shavkat delivered his response.
And that’s when things got spicy.
Shavkat’s Reply: “They Know I’m the Most Inconvenient Fight for Them.”
Shavkat didn’t just respond – he launched a straight-up warning shot.
According to Rakhmonov, Islam’s suggestion that he needs another fight isn’t about “activity” or “fairness.”
It’s about fear of a nightmare matchup.
“Islam and his whole team know that a fight with me is the most inconvenient matchup in the entire welterweight division. That’s why he’s saying this.”
🔥 Oof. Shots fired.
Rakhmonov essentially accused Team Makhachev of trying to delay the inevitable — a high-stakes showdown between two of the most dominant, undefeated fighters currently in the UFC.
And honestly… he might have a point.
Shavkat is 18–0, finishing every single fighter he has ever faced. No safe decisions. No boring fights. Just violence.
He’s the type of opponent champions avoid unless they absolutely have to.
“If UFC Gives Me the Fight, I Will Not Miss the Opportunity.”
Despite his bold claims, Shavkat made one thing crystal clear:
He’s not running from anyone.
Just like Islam said he’d accept the fight if offered, Shavkat echoed the same energy:
“If the UFC offers me the title fight with Islam, I will not miss the opportunity.”
This means both men are more than willing.
No excuses.
No hesitation.
If Dana White decides to book this monster matchup… the MMA world is in for a historic clash.
Why This Fight Would Be Pure Chaos (In the Best Way)
This wouldn’t just be another title fight.
It would be one of the biggest stylistic clashes the UFC has ever seen:
Islam Makhachev:
- Arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world
- World-class wrestling, elite grappling
- High fight IQ, suffocating pressure
Shavkat Rakhmonov:
- A finishing machine (100% finish rate)
- One of the most complete fighters at 170
- Dangerous everywhere striking, grappling, scrambles, clinch
- Physically huge for the division
This matchup is the type of chaos that fans dream of.
16 Win Streak vs. undefeated.
Champion vs. the most avoided contender.
Dagestan vs. Kazakhstan.
A stylistic puzzle vs. a wild, ruthless finisher.
Absolute blockbuster.
So Who’s Right Here – Islam or Shavkat?
Islam’s argument is logical:
Rakhmonov has been off for a year, and another fight could sharpen him up before a title shot.
But Shavkat’s response is just as understandable:
When undefeated fighters insist someone “needs another fight,” fans know it often means one thing — they’d rather delay that matchup as long as possible.
Both men are ready.
Both want the belt.
Both know the risks.
And honestly… no matter who YOU think is right, the real winners here are the fans.
Final Take: UFC, Make This Fight Happen
The hype is real.
The stakes are massive.
And the energy between these two is turning into must-watch TV.
Whether it happens next, or after one more contender fight, one thing is guaranteed:
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Islam Makhachev will be one of the biggest fights in modern MMA.
Dana — you know what to do.
