Although Dana White may have put the dampener on the Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman fight, another fighter has come forward as a potential opponent to the Nigerian. 

Legendary MMA referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy and former UFC & Bellator fighter Josh ‘The Punk’ Thompson discussed the prospects of Kamaru facing off against Shavkat Rakhmonov on their ‘Weighing In’ Podcast.

What makes Shavkat Rakhmonov so exciting?

Thompson was enthusiastic while discussing the upcoming Kevin Gastelum vs Shavkat Rakhmonov bout scheduled for 17th September 2023 at UFC Fight Night. He thought “it has the potential to be the fight of the year”.

And it is easy to see why. Both men have the skills and abilities to give fans an exciting fight.

Kelvin Gastelum has been fighting guys at the top echelon for the past decade since his victory over Uriah Hall for the Middleweight Title at the finale of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 17. 

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While he went on a losing streak after his loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 236 back in 2019, being able to win only 2 out of his next 6 matches, his Fight of the Night victory over Chris Curtis at UFC 287 has reminded fans of his mettle.

Rakhmonov comes into the fight with an undefeated 17-0 record, none of which went to the judges’ scorecard. The Kazakh has 8 KOs and 9 submissions on his record.

Road to Kamaru Usman’s next matchup after Khamzat Chimaev bout falls apart

The prospect of who Rakhmonov will face after Gastellum prompted Josh to suggest Kamaru Usman’s name.

“Shavkat’s gonna have to fight somebody in that top five for him to get a title shot,”  Thompson said. 

“Could be Belal” replied Big John.

“You could say, Kamaru Usman. I would say, Kamaru Usman.”  Thompson rejoined

While these comments are purely speculation and conjecture, the matchup works perfectly for both fighters. Usman will get to face a potential future star and have the bragging rights of ending Rakhmonov’s undefeated streak should he win the bout.

Rakhmonov, on the other hand, will get to face someone in the top five and be on track for a title shot.

In fact, that is how Thompson sees it playing out. “I think he’s (Rakhmonov’s) got a good chance the win over Kelvin Gastellum and maybe one more fight I could see them potentially trying to put him into a title shot by the end of the year or early next year”

While currently there are no concrete prospects for a Rakhmonov vs Usman fight, the matchup is undoubtedly one fans would want to see. What do you think about Usman facing Rakhmonov next? Tell us in the comments below. 

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