Shavkat Rakhmonov has emerged as one of the most promising fighters in the new era of the UFC, maintaining an undefeated record since his debut in MMA. Rakhmonov is now preparing to face ‘Wonderboy’ Stephen Thompson at UFC 296. This bout holds significant potential to open multiple doors for both fighters, and Rakhmonov stands as the fan favorite to emerge victorious.

However, Chael Sonnen believes that a potential weakness in Rakhmonov’s game could cost him a potential title shot in the future. Let us see what ‘Uncle Chael’ is on about.

Shavkat Rakhmonov’s biggest weakness stated by Chael Sonnen

The destiny of the welterweight division is poised to unravel at UFC 296. The pivotal clash between Colby Covington and Leon Edwards, alongside the intriguing matchups of Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson and Ian Garry vs. Vicente Luque, will undoubtedly chart the course for the division’s future.

Rakhmonov’s career has been tremendous, and he may be closer to the title than anyone else. A win against Thompson will cement his status as a legit contender in the weight class. However, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes that Rakhmonov has a weakness that may halt his title reign.

Sonnen believes that the language barrier is the only thing that is stopping him from getting the title shot. “One of my fears for Rakhmonov, because Rakhmonov’s gonna be on the slow path. I understand all those things, but once he gets there, it’s going to be exemplified in ways that are incomparable. He has the potential for star power, even if it’s the slower rise, to eclipse other things that we’ve seen,” said Chael Sonnen.

He further added “But one of my fears for Rakhmonov is that somebody gets to him and tells him, ‘You’re as dry as popcorn. Say these words.’ Because if he comes off as unauthentic, which he would if he dropped a line in English that he got memorized because he doesn’t know English at all, he can’t handle a follow-up question, in the language. It appears somebody else fed it to him.”

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Sonnen raises an important point. Language barriers can at times keep fighters from effectively promoting themselves. In fact, another UFC great once emphasized the importance of learning English to promote oneself in the UFC. That was the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. In an Instagram post he shared years ago, the undefeated ex-UFC champion says of compatriot Zabit Magomedsharipov, “Brother, this guy needs [to] improve his English brother. Without English, he cannot promote himself. He needs English.”

While the discussions and debates about his title shot are getting heated, what does the man himself think about it all?

Is Rakhmonov close to the title shot?

While having a conversation on ‘The MMA Hour’ Rakhmonov said, “No, I didn’t have this conversation or any promises, but all I want to say is that I’m already ready to fight for the title and the win over Stephen Thompson will be another reason to prove that I’m ready. I don’t know what’s going to happen after, I just want to focus on Stephen Thompson and we’ll find out what’s going to happen after.”

The welterweight title picture is crowded with contenders like Rakhmonov and Ian Garry making their way up. Meanwhile, there are other stars like Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad who are also clamoring to have a go at the champion. The only thing holding the former champion back is that he would need a top-ranked win before he can call for a title shot again.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Who will fight the UFC 296 main event winner? And does Sonnen have a point. Give us your thoughts in the comments.

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