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Does Rakhmonov Pose The Biggest Challenge For Makhachev?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 1:48 AM ET

UFC analyst and Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier says Shavkat Rakhmonov would be Islam Makhachev’s toughest challenge at welterweight.

Rakhmonov has been sidelined for nearly a year since extending his unbeaten record to 7-0, with a victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. Meanwhile, Makhachev became the welterweight champion after beating Jack Della Maddalena in a one-sided unanimous decision at UFC 322.

Despite his absence, many still view Rakhmonov as the number one contender for the title. Other fighters vying for a title shot include Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. Cormier acknowledged that while Makhachev dominated against Jack Della Maddalena, Rakhmonov’s well-rounded skill set poses a different kind of threat.

“Shavkat Rakhmonov is the guy that I think about and I go, ‘Man, that is a crazy fight to think about. Islam vs. Rakhmonov. 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,” Cormier said

The Approach

The advantage for Rakhmonov is his natural size and strength at 170 pounds. Rakhmonov is a large welterweight with a long reach (77 inches). Rakhmonov’s larger frame will make it incredibly difficult for Islam to secure and finish those entries. He can use the his physical strength to stuff the initial takedown attempts, forcing Makhachev to exert more energy.

Rakhmonov is arguably the most dangerous submission grappler in the division, holding a perfect 19-0 record with 10 submissions and 9 knockouts. If Rakhmonov is taken down, he possesses the immediate threat of a sweep or a submission attempt (like a guillotine or a leg lock), which demands respect. This submission threat forces Makhachev to fight cautiously on the ground.

Rakhmonov’s striking is aggressive, features high-level kicks, and carries genuine one-shot knockout power. Rakhmonov’s high, snapping kicks and crisp boxing combinations could tag Makhachev coming in or out of exchanges. This gives him the opportunity to be the first man to finish Islam Makhachev since 2015.

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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