Rakhmonov: Chimaev Was Given Victory Over Burns Due To Popularity

UFC welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov believes that more than just fighting may have been considered in the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns verdict. At UFC 273 in April, rising star Chimaev received a true litmus test of his championship credentials against two-time title challenger Burns. The pair went to war for three rounds, certainly securing…

Continue Reading Rakhmonov: Chimaev Was Given Victory Over Burns Due To Popularity at MMA News.

UFC welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov believes that more than just fighting may have been considered in the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns verdict.

At UFC 273 in April, rising star Chimaev received a true litmus test of his championship credentials against two-time title challenger Burns. The pair went to war for three rounds, certainly securing their future place in the 2022 Fight of the Year discussion. Although given this past weekend’s headliner, they may have to settle for second place.

After 15 minutes of bloody and back and forth action, it was “Borz” who had his hand raised via unanimous decision, ascending him into the welterweight top five and to within touching distance of a title shot.

Given the close and competitive nature of the contest, it unsurprisingly split opinion. Now, joining Ian Garry as another Sanford MMA teammate backing Burns’ performance, surging prospect Rakhmonov seemingly believes that his Brazilian peer was unfortunate to walk way with a defeat.

During a recent interview with Combat Sports on Fanatics View, “Nomad” suggested that Chimaev’s popularity may have played a part in the Chechen-born Swede getting the nod over Burns.

“I think it was a very equal fight, in my opinion. But Khamzat, I believe, got the win because he’s more popular. Maybe that’s why he was awarded the win,” said Rakhmonov.

However, the #15-ranked welterweight also admitted that Burns’ defensive strategy in the final round likely cost him what would have been an upset victory over the highly touted Chimaev in Jacksonville.

“But first round I don’t know who won, could be Khamzat, could be Burns. Then it was pretty much an even fight. The third round, Khamzat was more of an aggressor. I think that is why Burns didn’t get the win, because he played too defensively,” added Rakhmonov. “But you never know, sometimes I don’t understand UFC judges and how they get to their decisions.”

Rakhmonov has followed a similarly dominant path up the UFC ladder as Chimaev since arriving in 2020. Should he emerge victorious over top-10 contender Neil Magny later this month, the Kazakh will move one sizable step closer to an exciting Octagon date with “Borz.”

Given Rakhmonov’s latest comments, their previous heated back and forth, and the never-ending comparisons between the pair, the backstory will certainly be an intriguing one by the time they come to blows, which appears to be an inevitability given their trajectories.

Do you agree with Shavkat Rakhmonov’s take on Khamzat Chimaev’s victory over Gilbert Burns?

Continue Reading Rakhmonov: Chimaev Was Given Victory Over Burns Due To Popularity at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Fires Back at Khamzat Chimaev:’We Can Fight in the Cage or in the Streets’

Shavkat RakhmonovShavkat Rakhmonov has fired back at Khamzat Chimaev after the Chechen born labeled Rakhmonov a ‘chump’. Chimaev continues to be the hot topic of discussion within the world of MMA. The 27-year-old is fresh off a significant victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, which saw both men battle it out in a fight of […]

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat Rakhmonov has fired back at Khamzat Chimaev after the Chechen born labeled Rakhmonov a ‘chump’.

Chimaev continues to be the hot topic of discussion within the world of MMA. The 27-year-old is fresh off a significant victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 273, which saw both men battle it out in a fight of the year contender. Chimaev moved to #3 in the welterweight rankings and now targets a super fight with titleholder Kamaru Usman.

Since joining the UFC in 2020, Rakhmonov has also made waves in the welterweight division, accumulating three stoppage victories, taking his undefeated record to an imposing (15-0).

Preceding UFC 273, Rakhmonov was questioned about the proposition of meeting Chimaev in the Octagon. He said the following:

Shavkat Rakhmonov Responds to Khamzat Chimaev’s Comments

“I don’t know! It doesn’t really matter. Whoever they tell me to fight. If the rankings match right and the UFC makes that fight, I’m gonna do it without hesitation. But it’s not the right time to call him out, cuz he’s got an upcoming fight and might fight for a title potentially. The callouts are unnecessary now. Once I’ll get to him (in the rankings) we’ll fight!”

Many were impressed by the showing of heart, determination, grit, and overcoming adversity that Chimaev displayed on the night. However, Rakhmonov felt the performance was underwhelming:

“Shavkat Rakhmonov not impressed with Khamzat Chimaev’s skills”

Chimaev was quick to bite back in response, which was later deleted:

Khamzat Chimaev Throws Jab at Shavkat Rakhmonov

“Who’s that chump?!” 

In a Q&A session, Rakhmonov was asked about his overall thoughts on Chimaev as a fellow competitor, responding (h/t MMANews):

“Let him say it to my face, not in comments. We’ll talk when we see each other. I’ve nothing against him. We’re just opponents and I’m not gonna insult him. I’m not gonna insult his family or nation. We’ll fight one day and then see who’s better.”

Rakhmonov was unfazed by Chimaev’s ‘Chump’ comment, stating he doesn’t take much from insults and believes it’s an indication that he’s in Chimaev’s head.

Later, a fan asked if he thought Chimaev was even aware that he existed. Rakhmonov responded, adamant that the Swede knows precisely who the Kazakh is, claiming he would be the biggest fight for Chimaev.

“Surely, he does! How can he not know?! I’m the biggest fight for him! It’s not Burns or a title. We can fight in the cage or in the streets. If someone has something to tell, we can do it. If someone has ‘questions’ to me, we can do it anywhere.”

With two undefeated welterweights throwing jabs at each other, a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov is a fight we could very well see in the future. How would you expect this matchup to unfold?

Report | Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Slated For UFC Event On June 25.

Shavkat RakhmonovA high-stakes welterweight matchup between division staple, Neil Magny, and undefeated prospect, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been added to a UFC Fight Night event on June 25. An official location or venue for the event has yet to be determined. Magny, the #10 ranked welterweight in the promotion’s official pile, most recently turned in his second […]

Shavkat Rakhmonov

A high-stakes welterweight matchup between division staple, Neil Magny, and undefeated prospect, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been added to a UFC Fight Night event on June 25. An official location or venue for the event has yet to be determined.

Magny, the #10 ranked welterweight in the promotion’s official pile, most recently turned in his second successive victory – scoring a close, split decision win over veteran, Max Griffin on the main card of UFC Columbus last month.

Undefeated #15 ranked contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov turned in his third straight victory under the UFC’s banner back on the main card of UFC Vegas 47 in February, stopping Carlston Harris with an opening round spinning heel kick and subsequent strikes. The win earned Shavkat Rakhmonov a Performance of the Night bonus. MMA Junkie reporters, Mike Bohn, and Nolan King were first to report the bout between Magny and Rakhmonov.

26-8 as a professional, Magny, who tied former two-weight champion, Georges St-Pierre for most wins in welterweight history with his nineteenth against Griffin last month – adding the Californian to a prior judging success opposite Texas striker, Geoff Neal.

A UFC feature since February 2013, Magny, a trainee Elevation Fight Team in Colorado – has headlined three times under the organization’s scrutiny. 

During his Octagon tenure, the 34-year-old New York native has defeated Tim Means, Alex Garcia, Lim Hyun-Gyu, Erick Silva, Kelvin Gastelum, Hector Lombard, Li Jingliang, as well as former welterweight titleholders, Johny Hendricks, Carlos Condit, and Robbie Lawler. 

Shavkat Rakhmonov has been tipped to challenge for Octagon gold in the future

Improving to 15-0 as a professional with his February knockout over Harris, Kazakhstan native, Rakhmonov ented the promotion with a first round guillotine choke over now-promotional veteran, Alex Oliveira back at UFC 254 in October 2020. 

The former M-1 Global welterweight kingpin would follow up that victory with a June rear-naked choke submission win over Oliveira’s compatriot, Michel Prazeres – prior to his knockout win over Harris earlier this annum. 

At the time of publication, an official headlining bout for the June 25. UFC Fight Night 209 event has yet to be determined by the organization. 

Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Booked For June 25

Neil Magny and Shavkat Rakhmonov are set to face off at a June 25 Fight Night event. Who says you can’t make fights over social media? That appears to be exactly what happened between Magny and Rakhmonov. After Rakhmonov called out Magny on Twitter and Mangy accepted, MMA Junkie was the first to report that…

Continue Reading Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Booked For June 25 at MMA News.

Neil Magny and Shavkat Rakhmonov are set to face off at a June 25 Fight Night event.

Who says you can’t make fights over social media? That appears to be exactly what happened between Magny and Rakhmonov. After Rakhmonov called out Magny on Twitter and Mangy accepted, MMA Junkie was the first to report that the two welterweights now have a designated date for their scrap.

Famous for his ready-to-fight attitude, the 34-year-old was the only man who wanted to fight Khamzat Chimaev during the Swede’s rise to fame in 2021. Now, Magny is willing to afford rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov the same treatment.

Like Chimaev, Rakhmonov has been on a tear since entering the UFC, and as such, few welterweights, if any, are willing to risk taking him on.

The 27-year-old has earned three finishes in as many fights, having most recently knocked out Carlston Harris with a spectacular spinning hook kick. Rakhmonov remains undefeated in 15 professional fights, with many touting him as a future welterweight champion.

Rakhmonov Harris
Shavkat Rakhmonov earned his third sucessive UFC win by defeating Carlston Harris via spinning hook kick and punches in February this year (PHOTO: MMA MANIA).

Following his victory over Harris in February, Rakhmonov was determined to set up a fight with a top-ten opponent and wasted no time calling out Magny, who initially seemed lukewarm to the idea of facing the Kazakhstani. But the #9-ranked welterweight then had had a change of heart, tweeting his desire to grant Rahmonov’s wish and meet him in the Octagon.

“Somebody said fight? Y’all know my MO, sign me up,” tweeted Magny.

The highly experienced Magny, who is 21-5 in the UFC since making his debut way back in 2013, would no doubt pose a stern challenge for Rakhmonov. “The Haitian Sensation” is currently riding a two-fight win streak, having most recently defeated Max Griffin via split decision in March and Geoff Neal via unanimous decision in May last year.

If anyone is to step up to the challenge, however, it’s certainly Rakhmonov, who brings with him a highly-credentialed MMA résumé. The 27-year-old, who made his professional MMA debut as a 19-year-old in 2014, is a former M1 welterweight champion and has finished all of his 15 career opponents.

What do you think? Can Neil Magny end Shavkat Rakhmonov’s unbeaten run in the UFC?

Continue Reading Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Booked For June 25 at MMA News.

Rakhmonov Tells Chimaev To “Say It To My Face” After Deleted Comment

Rising UFC welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov has hit back after being referred to as a “chump” in a deleted comment by top-five contender Khamzat Chimaev. In recent months and years, two surging 170lbers from across the Atlantic have caught the eye in the UFC. While one is unbeaten in five fights and recently jumped into…

Continue Reading Rakhmonov Tells Chimaev To “Say It To My Face” After Deleted Comment at MMA News.

Rising UFC welterweight prospect Shavkat Rakhmonov has hit back after being referred to as a “chump” in a deleted comment by top-five contender Khamzat Chimaev.

In recent months and years, two surging 170lbers from across the Atlantic have caught the eye in the UFC. While one is unbeaten in five fights and recently jumped into the upper echelons of the weight class, the other has shown a similar level of dominance in three appearances on MMA’s biggest stage.

Despite following in footsteps akin to those of Chimaev’s rapid rise, Rakhmonov has previously admitted he gets frustrated when he’s compared to his Chechen-born Swedish counterpart.

Given the latest developments, it seems skill comparisons and discussions about a future fight are about to get a lot more prevalent.

Prior to Gilbert Burns’ clash with Chimaev at UFC 273 this past weekend, Rakhmonov, who’s been training alongside “Durinho” at Sanford MMA in recent times, assessed the skills of his training partner’s opponent, with the quote later being shared to social media.

The caption of the post, uploaded by @redfurymma_official, notes that Rakhmonov gave a less-than-positive take on Chimaev’s abilities. Unsurprisingly, “Borz” hit back in the comment section.

Khamzat Chimaev's deleted comment about Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Khamzat Chimaev’s deleted comment about Shavkat Rakhmonov. (Image Credit: Smesh Bros on YouTube)

“Who’s that chump?” Chimaev wrote.

What always appeared to be an inevitable rivalry has seemingly been born…

Interestingly, as well as Chimaev deleting his remark, comments on the post have since been turned off, but not before some eager-eyed individuals captured a screenshot, allowing the Kazakhstani to see what had been said of him.

Responding during a fan Q&A, Rakhmonov made his feelings on Chimaev’s comment clear, inviting him to hold the same energy in person.

“Let him say it to my face, not in comments,” asserted Rakhmonov. “We’ll talk when we see each other. I’ve (got) nothing against him. We’re just opponents, and I’m not gonna insult him. I’m not gonna insult his family or nation. We’ll fight one day and then see who’s better.”

When asked whether he was bothered by Chimaev’s remark, “Nomad” suggested it proved that he, as well as his ongoing rise in the UFC, is inside the #3-ranked contender’s head.

“I don’t know. I’m not trying to focus on things like that. It just means that I’m in his head. He’s getting worried about my rise,” concluded Rakhmonov.

Having debuted a few months after Chimaev announced his presence in the UFC, Rakhmonov has been hot on the heels of “Borz” as they’ve ascended the welterweight ladder.

When he catches up with Chimaev, Rakhmonov is expecting to present his fellow 27-year-old with his toughest test to date.

Rakhmonov: I’ll Be Chimaev’s Toughest Fight

In another question, Rakhmonov was asked whether he believes Chimaev truly doesn’t know who he is, something that would be hard to believe given the Kazakhstani’s impressive UFC stint to date, as well as his championship success in M-1 Global.

“Nomad” answered that Chimaev should be aware of him, especially seeing as Rakhmonov believes he’d give “Borz” his toughest fight inside the Octagon. Although having seen Chimaev’s comment, the #15-ranked welterweight is even down to meet on the streets.

“Surely he does (know who I am). How can he not know?! I’m the toughest fight for him, it’s not Burns or a title… We can fight in the cage or in the streets. If someone has something to (say), we can do it. If someone has questions for me, we can do it anywhere.”

While Chimaev’s reputation and immense hype has drawn him the majority of the headlines, Rakhmonov’s rise has been quieter, but arguably equally as impressive.

It wouldn’t be outlandish to suggest that the Kazakhstani has faced tougher opposition in his first three outings than the Chechen-born Swede did. Rakhmonov’s place in the rankings perhaps gives credence to that.

Like Chimaev, Rakhmonov looks set for his first ranked opponent in his fourth Octagon appearance. While “Borz” faced then-#11 welterweight Li Jingliang, “Nomad” is reportedly slated to face current #10 contender Neil Magny, who boasts a victory over “The Leech.”

Should Rakhmonov add the name of “The Haitian Sensation” to his unbeaten 15-0 record, he’ll likely enter the top-10 and perhaps be one victory away from joining Chimaev in the title conversation.

How do you think a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov would play out?

All translations per the Smesh Bros YouTube channel.

Continue Reading Rakhmonov Tells Chimaev To “Say It To My Face” After Deleted Comment at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Moves To 15-0 With KO Win Over Carlston Harris – UFC Vegas 47 Highlights

Shavkat RakhmonovFormer M-1 Global welterweight champion, Shavkat Rakhmonov continues to look impressive throughout his brief Octagon tenure — improving to 15-0 tonight on the main card of UFC Vegas 47 with a first round knockout victory against Carlston Harris. Kazakhstan native, Rakhmonov, who has yet to see the judge’s scorecards over the course of his perfect […]

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Former M-1 Global welterweight champion, Shavkat Rakhmonov continues to look impressive throughout his brief Octagon tenure — improving to 15-0 tonight on the main card of UFC Vegas 47 with a first round knockout victory against Carlston Harris.

Kazakhstan native, Rakhmonov, who has yet to see the judge’s scorecards over the course of his perfect 15 fight professional run, managed to chalk up his eighth knockout win against Harris, adding to seven separate submission stoppages to boot.

Landing in the Octagon with a submission win over Alex Oliveira, Rakhmonov then laid waste to Michel Prazeres with a second round rear-naked choke before levelling Harris with strikes tonight.

Patiently working from the center of the Octagon, Rakhmonov spun with a well-timed wheel kick, clipping Harris before following up with a series of heavy straight strikes on the gound, rendering Harris unconscious with the first of two blasting blows.

Below, catch the highlights from Shavkat Rakhmonov’s third UFC victory and third stoppage win