Shavkat Rakhmonov doesn’t appreciate the comparisons to fellow UFC welterweight Khamzat Chimaev.
Rakhmonov’s performance against Carlston Harris earlier this month was the best of his UFC career. He used a spinning hook kick, ground-and-pound and a follow up spin to knock him out. The finish was the 15th of Rakhmonov’s 15-fight career and earned him his first UFC Performance of the Night bonus. It also only further any ingrained the comparisons between Rakhmonov and Chimaev. Rakhmonov, however, wishes that the comparisons between fighters and the 2020 Breakout Fighting Champion of the Year would cease.
“I’m annoyed that I’m Khamzat. I’m Shavkat,” Rakhmonov stated through his translator on The MMA Hour . “This is a question I get asked the most, when are we going to fight. The time will tell. This question is irritating me a lot .”
Though Rakhmonov may be annoyed by the comparisons, there are undeniably certain similarities between the two men. Both men are 27 years old and undefeated in their MMA careers, with 100-percent finishing rates. Both men were highly touted prospects before making their UFC debuts in 2020, and since then, both men have looked dominant inside the octagon.
However, Chimaev has set his sights on a shot at the title as soon as possible. Rakhmonov, however, is happy to climb up to welterweight and hopes to fight Michel Pereira next.
“I think he’s a very exciting fighter,” Rakhmonov said. He’s an interesting fighter, who enjoys playing with his opponent, so I wanted to show him that I could shut him down, and finish him. I wouldn’t allow him to fight me like that .”
Pereira, although not currently ranked, is still a fan favorite for his flashy fight style. He is currently enjoying a winning streak of four bouts. Periera last fought in January, picking up a unanimous decision win over Andre Fialho at UFC 270. Rakhmonov, a Muslim who practices Islam and Ramadan just around the corner makes it a hope that the UFC will book this matchup.
“End June/beginning July would be ideal,” Rakhmonov stated.
