

It has been a little over six months since Shavkat Rakhmonov dismantled Geoff Neal at UFC 285. While the Kazakh fighter rose in the ranks on the heels of a skillful performance, it also came with a downside. He wants to fight soon, but there are no takers. Therefore, the fans stepped up to the occasion and filled in the shoes of a matchmaker.
‘Nomad’ made himself available for the upcoming UFC 294 or UFC 295, which are inching closer, and the cards are getting filled. In the hope of getting a slot on the cards, he publicly made his status known. The fans chimed in and threw in their suggestions, even including theories of the roster backing down from locking horns.
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Fans come to the rescue of Shavkat Rakhmonov
The 28-year-old fighter turned to X-handle and announced, “I’m still available for UFC 294 or UFC 295.” Following this, some fans suggested a few names that would result in a banger of a fight.
A fan suggested Jack Della Maddalena would be a “good fight”. Interestingly, he has previously expressed his desire to meet Rakhmonov in the Octagon and is actively looking to fight one more time in 2023.
JDM vs Shavkat is a good fight
— pat (o) (@Patkk151515) September 17, 2023
Someone believed the entire roaster was scared.
Entire roster scared
— JZ the Juggalo (@jeskola) September 17, 2023
Likewise, another comment hinted that the fighters were afraid of Rakhmonov.
They are all afraid lmaoo for good reason🔥🔥
— Finn (@SouL_Finn) September 17, 2023
Meanwhile, a user pointed out that until Rakhmonov becomes a champion, no one will be willing to take a fight against him.
You are a victim of your own success.Untill you get the belt, no one will want to fight you.
— Fatty Batty (@PlusSizedBatman) September 17, 2023
A hilarious response alluded to Black Panther’s iconic dialogue concerning Captain America.
GIVE THIS MAN A FIGHT
— Chucks Mowhawk (@ChuckMowhawk) September 17, 2023
Additionally, someone mentioned a fight against another undefeated prospect, Ian Garry, was the only option.
Rakhmonov vs Garry is the only option. The undefeated prospects need to see who deserves the hype.
— MountaineerInLA (@MountaineerInLA) September 17, 2023
Another fan expressed that no one wanted the smoke.
Nobody wants the smoke brother
— AFCGE3K (@AFCGE3K) September 17, 2023
Lastly, a comment pitched the idea of a match with Stephen Thompson, who couldn’t fight at UFC 291 as his opponent failed to make the weight cut.
Wonderboy at 295 makes perfect sense
Both of you lost an opponent recently
— Max Persellin (@MPersellin70) September 17, 2023
Hence, the fans have spoken their hearts, and it’s up to the MMA gods and Dana White to listen to them. Still, Rakhmonov’s future fight remains shrouded in mystery, and there are no concrete rumors to rely on.
Meanwhile, the recent conclusion of UFC Noche might give an Australian fighter the opportunity to realize his dream, as he is confident of halting Rakhmonov’s juggernaut. In addition, the fighter might snap Rakhmonov’s win streak and blemish his undrafted record.
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What’s next for Rakhmonov?
Maddalena won a closely contested fight against Kevin Holland at UFC Noche, and even before he stepped into the ring, he had his eyes set on Rakhmonov. “I think Shavkat would be a good fight… I think I can beat him,” he declared.

via Imago
February 4, 2022, LAS VEGAS, LAS VEGAS, NV, United States: LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 4: Shavkat Rakhmanov steps on the scale for the official weight at the UFC Apex for UFC Vegas 47 – Hermansson vs Strickland – weigh-ins on February 4, 2022 in LAS VEGAS, United States. LAS VEGAS United States – ZUMAp175 20220204_zsa_p175_061 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
However, in his post-fight conference, he expressed his desire to go against any fighter that the UFC might pick for him. Thus, leaving Rakhmonov without any lead. So who Rakhmonov will fight next is anyone’s guess, but he surely will put in an entertaining performance.
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What do you make of this post by Shavkat Rakhmonov? Who do you believe he should fight next? Let us know in the comments below.
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