Islam Makhachev Doesn’t Think Shavkat Rakhmonov Deserves Immediate Title Shot

Islam Makhachev believes Shavkat Rakhmonov has been inactive for too long to be relevant in title talks.

Makhachev won the welterweight title with a dominant decision against Jack Della Maddalena earlier this month. Rakhmonov congratulated Makhachev on the win, while declaring himself the real test at welterweight.

“Congratulations to Islam, excellent performance. But the real challenge at 170 is still me,” Rakhmonov wrote on social media.

Congratulations to Islam, excellent performance. But the real challenge at 170 is still me.

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) November 16, 2025Activity Matters

Makhachev (28-1) was also cornering his teammates last weekend at UFC Qatar, where he…