Expert picks ideal opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov

The next opponent for Kazakhstani UFC second-ranked welterweight fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov should be Ecuador’s Michael Morales (No. 4), according to the Sportsnet analyst Aaron Bronsteter.

«This fight between two top-five welterweights should have everyone salivating. Two huge 170-pounders with identical 19-0 professional records in what would certainly be a title eliminator is about as good as it gets. It is yet to be determined who will face reigning champion Islam Makhachev next, but I would not be surprised if it is either Ian Machado Garry or Kamaru Usman,» Bronsteter emphasized.

At the same time, Bronsteter sees Rakhmonov and Morales as the more deserving opponents for a title shot. Still, he says that a fight involving Makhachev against another challenger would be just as exciting.

The last time Rakhmonov appeared in the Octagon was in December 2024, when he defeated Irish fighter Ian Garry by unanimous decision. The next bout involving the undefeated fighter is expected this spring.

Morales also remains unbeaten. In his last bout in November 2025, he scored a technical knockout victory over Sean Brady.

Previously, Rakhmonov’s coach Eduard Bazrov commented on when the athlete will fight in the UFC.