Makhachev has repeatedly acknowledged and as the top two contenders for the next welterweight
title shot in the . Islam Makhachev questions Shavkat Rakhmonov’s timetable for a
UFC title fight
Makhachev took a dig at the undefeated Kazakh’s lingering health
issues. The UFC welterweight champ questions whether he should wait
a year and a half to fight Rakhmonov.
“Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on
his knee and he says he wants to fight; I want to respond to his
interview,” Makhachev told Match TV. “He says I should have chosen
him. Choose him and wait for 1.5 years? Let him recover and he will
become one of the contenders. I never said that I will not fight
him.”
Makhachev (29-1) won the welterweight title against last year and defended it in August against
, whose only career loss before facing Makhachev was to
Rakhmonov.
However, Rakhmonov (19-0) hasn’t fought since defeating
Garry in December 2024.
😅🇰🇿 responds to who wasn't happy with him not being mentioned as the next contender:
"He gave an interview with a huge brace on his knee. He wants me to choose him and then wait for 1.5 years for him to recover? "
🎥 MATCH TV — Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)