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Shavkat Rakhmonov is an ominous presence at 170 lbs. The undefeated welterweight faced Geoff Neal in a bout that bore similarities to Khamzat Chimaev's five-round war with Gilbert Burns. However, while 'Borz' scraped by with a split-decision win, 'Nomad' was different.
After both he and 'Handz of Steel' rocked each other at different points in their bout, the Kazakh phenom secured a standing rear-naked choke to defeat his opponent via third-round submission. The win launched the unbeaten phenom into top-contender status, with even UFC president Dana White in agreement.
In his post-fight interview, the typically reserved 170'er challenged the likes of Colby Covington to a bout. The former UFC interim welterweight champion is a sensible opponent for 'Nomad', and this list considers him and four other fighters as his next potential foes.
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#5. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Sean Brady
Months ago, Sean Brady was an undefeated sensation in the welterweight division. Unfortunately, his spotless MMA record was finally blemished after he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Belal Muhammad at UFC 280, handing the Palestinian-American his first finish in three years.
He is currently ranked in the top ten and could serve as a potential opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov as he seeks to work his way towards a title shot. Whether it be Kamaru Usman or Leon Edwards as the undisputed champion, 'Nomad' must earn a title fight.
While defeating Geoff Neal brought him one step closer to his goal, beating 'Handz of Steel' wasn't and shouldn't be enough to warrant a title fight. He is the first fighter that he defeated who is currently ranked in the top ten. Another top-ten win, however, could bring 'Nomad' within touching distance of UFC gold.
#4. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Belal Muhammad
Many fighters often claim that they're willing to face anyone anytime. Not many of them, however, back up those statements. Belal Muhammad is no such fighter. He has actively called for matchups against the welterweight division's toughest fighters, whether they be Colby Covington or Khamzat Chimaev.
'Remember the Name' is currently ranked as the number-four 170'er on the UFC roster. Furthermore, he is riding atop a 9-fight unbeaten streak, which includes wins over two former title challengers Demian Maia and Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson. A win over him would surely earn 'Nomad' a title fight.
Additionally, he is a safe matchup for Shavkat Rakhamonov as it is unlikely that the Palestinian-American will be able to outwrestle him. Meanwhile, his striking is almost certainly inferior to Rakhamonov's own.
#3. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Colby Covington
Colby Covington is one of the hottest commodities at welterweight. The former interim champion is best-known for giving Kamaru Usman his toughest-ever fight to date. He is widely regarded as the second-best 170'er on the roster. Unfortunately, 'Chaos' has been found guilty of inactivity.
Since 2020, he has averaged about one fight per year. Furthermore, he has no wins over anyone currently ranked in the top ten. There is, however, no shortage of potential opponents for him. Among this list is Shavkat Rakhmonov, who publicly challenged 'Chaos' in his UFC 285 post-fight interview.
A potential fight between the two has star-making implications for 'Nomad' if he emerges victorious. Even if he loses after a competitive bout, his stock will rise as fans will reason that with some minor adjustments, he could win. Such a win would easily earn him a title fight, and it's a fight that Rakhamonov wants.
#2. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Khamzat Chimaev
The parallels between Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov are as clear as day to anyone. The two men are undefeated finishers capable of defeating their opponents via submission or TKO. They possess a breadth of skill in both striking and grappling. They are the two largest welterweights in the world.
They have both taken the 170 lbs weight class by storm. Their only difference is in their personalities. 'Borz' is a brash hothead who frequently says and does things designed to generate headlines. Meanwhile, 'The Nomad' is a silent assassin who allows his body of work inside the octagon to do the talking.
It's a marquee matchup that would generate a tremendous amount of interest. While matching up two rising contenders isn't always ideal, doing so in the welterweight division could pay dividends in terms of a marketable rivalry. Whoever wins will be credited as the first-ever fighter to defeat the other.
Thus, once one of them rebounds from the loss, a rematch could become a PPV-seller.
#1. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. the loser of Leon Edwards-Kamaru Usman
Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman are scheduled to cross swords this coming Saturday at UFC 286. The two men will settle their rivalry in a trilogy bout for the welterweight throne. Either 'Rocky' will prove his doubters wrong by defeating 'The Nigerian Nightmare' to silence all talk of flukes, or Usman will prove them right.
Whoever loses the bout will be in need of a quick rebound to wash away the bitter taste of defeat. Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov is in a position where he needs another signature win to justify a title fight. Since he's unlikely to earn the Colby Covington matchup he has requested, another opponent should suffice.
The loser of the Edwards-Usman bout would be an ideal opponent for 'The Nomad'. If he defeats either one of them, he cannot be denied since hardly anyone has defeated Edwards and Usman in the division.
