Shavkat Rakhmonov is a rising sensation in the UFC welterweight division. He isn’t just a threat inside the Octagon. He can be just as deadly in the gym as seen in a recent video.
Rakhmonov is widely acknowledged as one of the most promising contenders in the 170-pound category. His remarkable unbeaten streak continues to solidify his standing in the division.
In his last outing at UFC 285, he clinched a remarkable third-round submission victory against Geoff Neal. Next on his horizon is UFC 296, where he’s set to face the established welterweight veteran Stephen Thompson.
In a recent Bellator event, Jason Jackson claimed the Bellator Welterweight Championship by overpowering Yaroslav Amosov in a stunning third-round KO at Bellator 301.
Though an official showdown between Rakhmonov and Jackson is pending, recent training footage provides a sneak peek into the potential intensity of such a bout. The sparring session between the two escalated swiftly, showcasing their skills in grappling and takedowns.
While other combatants cheered and watched, Rakhmonov and Jackson tested each other. After a while, Rakhmonov managed to escape a takedown attempt and swiftly moved to Jackson’s back. After that, Rakhmonov’s dominance over the reigning Bellator 170-pound champion was clear.
Rakhmonov grabbed Jackson by the waist and lifted him off his feet with great force, dropping him to the mat below. Even though the practice session was intense, the two shook hands right away.
As Khamzat Chimaev has now officially moved to middleweight, many have said that Rakhmonov may be the next big thing in the UFC’s 170 pound division.
Despite his impressive 17-0 record which has made him seem superior in every aspect of mixed martial arts, he has not yet faced off against a genuinely elite opponent.
But judging by his performance against Bellator’s best welterweight at the moment, it seems the Kazakh could be more than prepared for a chance to win the title if he can defeat Thompson next month.