Islam Makhachev responds to Shavkat Rakhmonov

Islam Makhachev questions whether Shavkat Rakhmonov should be next

Islam Makhachev has responded to Shavkat Rakhmonov’s comments.

He himself has repeatedly named Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the next contenders for a title fight. Shavkat Rakhmonov recently expressed disappointment in an interview that he wasn’t mentioned, and that’s exactly what Islam Makhachev has now responded to. However, Islam Makhachev also poked fun at the ongoing health issues that Shavkat Rakhmonov has actually been dealing with constantly. The UFC welterweight world champion questions whether he should actually wait one and a half years just to end up facing Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, he also makes it clear that he would face him as soon as he has solidified his status as a legitimate title contender. Speaking to Match TV, he said:

“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. 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”

Islam Makhachev won this title last year against Jack Della Maddalena and recently defended it against Ian Machado Garry. Ian Machado Garry’s only loss before this fight was against Shavkat Rakhmonov. However, Shavkat Rakhmonov hasn’t fought again since his victory over Ian Machado Garry because he had to undergo knee surgery. During his recovery, though, he suffered another injury, which required another surgery. Once he’s back in shape, he could actually have a solid shot at the title again with just one or two fights. What do you think?

I think the division is so exciting when all the fighters are healthy. I believe we’ll see a lot more here, and I’m really curious to see if anyone can defeat Islam Makhachev. Hopefully, we’ll find out soon!