Shavkat Rakhmonov is mowing through the welterweight division like his opponents are nothing but grass. With his latest victory over ‘Wonderboy’ Stephen Thompson, he’s cemented himself as one of the best in the division. So, what’s next for him now?

Rakhmonov is now 6 fights into the UFC. He has won every single one of them. If that doesn’t prove he’s worthy of a title shot, what does? The welterweight division might be looking towards a complete shake-up as the champion Leon Edwards convincingly beat Colby Covington at UFC 296. So will Rakhmonov get the next opportunity here? Here’s the full story.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is the first person to ever submit Stephen Thompson in the latter’s career that spans over a decade. Today, he defeated ‘Wonderboy’ in front of his movie star friend, Jack Black who was cornering him.

In the second round of their UFC 296 bout, ‘The Nomad’ tore down Thompson via a brilliantly executed choke. At 4:56 minutes of the round, ‘Wonderboy’ tapped out. This was after a first round where he dominated Thompson against the cage. At a professional record of 18-0, Rakhmonov would later confidently claim that he was ready for the winner of tonight’s headliner.

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Shavkat Rakhmonov wants his shot at the title

“I believe I’m worthy of a title shot.” Rakhmonov conveyed to color commentator and interviewer Joe Rogan. However, earlier, Dana White had spoken of a potential opportunity for Belal Muhammad instead. The #2 ranked welterweight had weighed in as backup for the tit;e fight. Will ‘The Nomad’ get his shot afterward? Will it be any time soon?

Rakhmonov’s winning streak has certainly been rather impressive. He rose through the ranks and now, he’s defeated the one fighter who didn’t even know of him about a year ago.

‘Wonderboy’ admitted to being offered this fight earlier. Before the UFC 296 bout today, Thompson appeared for media day where he admitted that he turned down a fight against Rakhmonov because he had no idea who the Kazakh was. He was a newcomer to the UFC, and it only made sense for a fighter of Thompson’s stature to turn down an underdog fight.

“But I definitely kept my eye on him and he’s been doing work. He’s ranked No.5 and they’re saying that he’s the future champ.” Thompson’s words might ring even more true now that ‘The Nomad’ has defeated him and put the whole division on notice. He certainly wants to go for that championship shot. Today, Leon Edwards retained his title against Colby Covington, but can the champ stand Rakhmonov’s grappling in the future?

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