Shavkat Rakhmonov has been on the rise with 17 victories and no losses under his belt. The Kazakh national is currently on a 5-win streak in the UFC. While searching for a next potential opponent, Kelvin Gastelum‘s return to the welterweight division piqued his interest. 

The fighter later sent a challenge to Gastelum back in May. He took to Twitter and asked Dana White and Sean Shelby if he can welcome Gastelum to the welterweight division.  Although it took him a couple of months, Gastelum finally responded to Rakhmonov and accepted the challenge. Soon, the news of Gastelum’s acceptance found its way to social media platforms, it gave rise to a massive wave of appreciation for the #11 middleweight fighter.

Kelvin Gastelum accepts Shavkat Rakhmonov’s challenge

Gastelum returned to the UFC after taking a break from fighting and defeated Chris Curtis upon his return at UFC 287. Undeniably, the fighter’s prowess ended up in awarding him with a ‘Fight of the Night’ performance along with the win. 

Kelvin Gastelum accepts Shavkat Rakhmonov’s challenge.
by u/starfoxzeronie in ufc

However, Gastelum later announced his desire to enter the welterweight division. Little did he know that there was a predator apparently waiting for Gastelum to return. Soon after the announcement was made, Rakhmonov sent a tweet challenging the fighter.

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Although he was a bit late, he finally sent a reply to the undefeated fighter and accepted his challenge. Gastelum replied, “I like the callout. I appreciate the call out… It’s been a couple of weeks since the tweet. I’ve been on vacation so it’s taken me some time to address it, but now it’s time for me to address it and officially accept the challenge. I accept, Shavkat Rakhmonov, your challenge at 170 pounds.”

Fans lift up Kelvin Gastelum for accepting the challenge

As Gastelum’s words found their way into Reddit, the fans began pouring their hearts out in the comments section. The fans lifted the fighter up high for his bravery. Undeniably, the MMA world seemed to believe that the match would be an interesting one indeed. Many others also believed that it would be Gastelum who would claim the victory.

Here is what the fans had to say:

• I like how it’s a pic of Kelvin kinda winking when 170 is mentioned

• No one can call Gastelum a coward. Dude is here for war.

• I don’t know what you’re talking about. Kelvin is game as they come, gonna be a war.

• Dude might be the fattest and slowest in the division but his boxing technique is world class

• Kelvin is a G. Great test for shavkat. I like it!

• I think Kelvin actually has a reasonable chance to win this if he has his s**t together. Good high risk high reward move on his part. He could be a tough stylistic matchup for Shavkat.

• Kelvin will slaughter this dude. Zero head movement.

• Name recognition. Gastelum is well known and probably looked at as an easy W for Rakhmonov.

Watch This Story: Five times Kelvin Gastelum obliterated his opponents inside the Octagon

What do you think of the matchup? Who do you think would rise victorious? Let us know in the comments down below.