Kazakhstani UFC Sensation Shavkat Rakhmonov Rubbishes Threat from Russian-Born Khamzat Chimaev

Shavkat Rakhmonov is a bright prospect of the UFC welterweight division, with an undefeated streak of 15 wins. For this reason, he is often weighed up against Khamzat Chimaev. As we know, Chimaev is a dominating opponent and has made a roaring climb in the division. Both these mountain fighters are undefeated in the UFC currently, and fans would want to see a possible fight between them in the future.

In a recent interview, The Kazakhstani fighter shared his thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev as his potential opponent. Apparently, ‘Nomad’ doesn’t see ‘Borz’ ‘as a threat’.

“Chimaev is a strong opponent, but I don’t think that he’s a threat for me. The fight will show who’s strong and who’s not,” said Rakhmonov.

Rakhmonov doesn’t believe in trash-talking and theatrics. He is a skillful fighter who just wants to display his dominance in the Octagon. “I don’t want to say “loud” words in his direction, like I will break him, destroy him,” said Rakhmonov.

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Shavkat Rakhmonov gets ‘annoyed’ when asked about Khamzat Chimaev

Rakhmonov admitted he gets frustrated by being repeatedly asked about his thoughts on Chimaev. He said, “It’s just annoying, getting reminded of a certain individual all the time. I‘m saying wait. We’ll see when the time comes. He will win some fights, I will win some.” 

When asked about who he thinks will turn out victorious amongst them, Rakhmonov said, “Time will tell. Sooner or later, we will share the cage, as we’re both in the same division. We’ll see then.”

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However, while Chimaev currently has his sights set on earning a title shot as soon as possible, he first has to go through Gilbert Burns at UFC 273. Whereas Rakhmonov is steadily making his way to the top of the UFC welterweight rankings and now is targeting a fight against Michel Pereira.

Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov have uncanny similarities. Interestingly, both of them are 27 years of age and have a hundred percent finish rate in the UFC to date. Moreover, they both have strong suffocating wrestling and submission game. This is the reason fans and media are comparing them in this fashion.

What do you make of what Shavkat Rakhmonov had to say about Khamzat Chimaev? Do you think the two will clash against each other in the UFC?