Daniel Cormier flags overlooked contender as a possible nightmare for Islam Makhachev

Following UFC 322, most talk around Makhachev’s next opponent centres on three names: Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Ilia Topuria.

Morales made his case with a knockout win over Sean Brady, while Makhachev has already stated his preference for Usman or a potential superfight against Topuria.

However, Cormier pointed to Shavkat Rakhmonov – who remains unbeaten and has quietly built an impressive record at welterweight – as someone with both the skillset and size needed to truly test Islam.

“Shavkat Rakhmonov is the guy that I think about and I go, ‘Man, that is a crazy fight to think about. Islam vs. Rakhmonov,’” ‘DC’ stated on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show.

“The size of Rakhmonov, the wrestling ability of Rakhmonov, and the striking of Rakhmonov…boy, that is a good one.

“I thought last weekend would have been the toughest fight of his career. He clearly proved that wasn’t the case.

“I think, though, if he was to fight Shavkat, that would easily be the hardest fight of his career.”

Shavkat Rakhmonov has not fought since December 2024

Even though many see Rakhmonov as the toughest matchup for Makhachev at 170 pounds, there are still a few steps he may need to take before getting another shot.

Unbeaten at 19-0, the 31-year-old has been on the verge of a title fight twice already. After Belal Muhammad pulled out due to injury last December, he took on Ian Machado Garry and came away with a win to solidify his claim.

However, his own injury kept him from capitalising on that chance, which eventually led to Della Maddalena stepping in and defeating Muhammad in May.

Since then, several other contenders have picked up important wins, meaning Rakhmonov might have to return and add another victory before he is matched up with Makhachev.