Shavkat Rakhmonov gets brutally honest about potential Ian Garry clash: "I don't want to praise myself too much" 

Shavkat Rakhmonov remains unfazed about a future fight with Ian Machado Garry despite recent buzz around a potential matchup. Initially set to face Belal Muhammad at UFC 310, Rakhmonov saw his title shot get delayed due to Muhammad's withdrawal for a bone infection in his foot.

Following the champion's withdrawal, Garry expressed interest in stepping in. However, the UFC later scheduled the Irishman to fight Joaquin Buckley on Dec. 14 in the main event of UFC Tampa, the final card of the year.

Reflecting on the possibility of fighting his former teammate, Rakhmonov expressed confidence. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said:

“I’m ready if it’s going to be him after he wins his next fight. If it is, it could be good for both of us. We can do it. If he wants to try and take my zero, he can try, but I know the same thing is going to happen that’s happened in the training."

He added:

“I’m going to just keep it the same way, and I’m pretty confident that I’m going to beat him. … You know, it’s just training. I don’t want to praise myself too much. It’s just training, but I feel comfortable with how the training went. Whether it was striking or the ground, I felt comfortable and in control. So, I’m pretty confident in this matchup.”

Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments below (15:38):

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Shavkat Rakhmonov eyes Kamaru Usman as potential opponent for interim title bout

In the same interview, Shavkat Rakhmonov also expressed interest in a showdown with former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Rakhmonov voiced his desire for the matchup, calling Usman a “worthy opponent” and sharing his readiness to “save the card” if it’s for the interim title.

''I believe there is a worthy opponent available. I’m ready to save the card, too if it’s for the interim title. I believe Usman is the worthy opponent who’s also probably ready to jump in and face him.''

Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments below:

The fight speculation gained traction after Usman took to X with a cryptic response of two eye emojis and a smirk, hinting at a possible showdown with Rakhmonov.