The Rakhmonov family’s legacy in martial arts continues to make waves. Shavkat Rakhmonov is the undefeated welterweight sensation. He has garnered attention with his impressive five wins in a row in the UFC. However, it seems that martial arts prowess runs deep in their bloodline, as his sister, Sora Rakhmonova, recently secured her fourth professional victory.
Competing under the Naiza FC banner in their native Kazakhstan, Sora Rakhmonova showcased her skills and tenacity by securing a first-round TKO victory over Valeria Karygina.
The emphatic finish further solidified her reputation as a formidable flyweight contender.
Sora Rakhmonova’s journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting her career with a 1-2 record as an amateur, she has since found her stride as a professional, winning four out of her five bouts, with three of those victories ending via finish. Her consistent displays of skill and her association with one of the Octagon’s most captivating fighters have sparked speculation about her potential entry into the UFC.
Meanwhile, Shavkat Rakhmonov continues to shine in his own right. With an unblemished record of 17-0, he recently made a significant statement with a third-round submission win over Goeff Neal at UFC 285 in March.
This victory propelled him to the sixth spot in the welterweight rankings, positioning him for a high-profile clash against a top-five opponent. However, the question remains: who among the top contenders will step up to challenge the Kazakh phenom?
Several contenders in the welterweight division are currently pursuing opportunities for a shot at the title. Colby Covington and Belal Muhammad are both circling the welterweight championship, making them unlikely candidates for a matchup with Rakhmonov. Recent rumors suggest that former champion Kamaru Usman may face undefeated Chechen powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi this October, leaving only Gilbert Burns as a potential adversary. However, Burns’s recent performance, which resulted in multiple injuries and a loss at UFC 288, raises doubts about his immediate availability.