Canadian Tristar coach Firas Zahabi, also known for his work with the legendary George St. Pierre, is thrilled with the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is riding a streak of six early wins in the UFC.
“I’ve been watching Shavkat and trying to figure out what makes this guy so great,” MMAJunkie quoted the Canadian professional as saying. “I still haven’t figured it out, but he’s great. I just don’t understand how he does it.”
Zahabi said he was shocked at the ease with which the Kazakh fighter defeated former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson in a recent bout, finishing the American with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
“Guys, I’ve watched countless fights, I’ve trained countless hours and trained a lot of phenomenal, talented fighters, but this guy is a mystery to me. What is it about him that makes him so overwhelming to his opponents? Vanderboegh is a phenomenal puncher and Shavkat managed to dodge and counterattack him in the standup. It shocked me
“He wrestled Vanderboegh and choked him out in the second round. Guys, Vanderboegh never lost by sub-match. No one could get him to give up, but Shawkat came out and finished him. Shavkat is special.”
Zahabi also shared his opinion on a potential fight between Rakhmonov and current UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
“Shavkat is something I can’t fathom and I’m extremely intrigued. I’m looking forward to his next fights. I can’t wait to see if this guy has any weaknesses. Can he beat Leon Edwards? I can’t say ‘no.’ I don’t know, and I’m going to find out with you guys. It looks crazy to me everything he’s doing in the octagon. I just don’t see the point of it.”
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/33529-trener-sent-perra-shavkat-rakhmonov-velikolepen-on-dlya-menya-zagadka.html?rand=19907
