“I’m very focused on the Gilbert fight, but yes, my dream is a five-round fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov in Perth for the title, or number one contender status,” the Australian told Submission Radio. “I think he’s the toughest fighter in the division apart from me and the champion. When you beat a guy like Shavkat Rakhmonov, there’s nothing else you can do but fight for the title.”
Jack Della Maddalena and Gilbert Burns will fight on March 9 at UFC 299 in Miami, and Shavkat Rakhmonov, ranked third in the division, is one of the top candidates to fight current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.