- Shavkat Rakhmonov thinks Islam Makhachev deserves to be the UFC’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter after his victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
- “Nomad” thinks Makhachev is the best fighter in the world at present
Welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov isn’t one of those who doubt Islam Makhachev edged Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284. In fact, “Nomad” believes nobody in the sport is capable of beating Makhachev at this point.
Islam got 3
Like some of his peers, Rakhmonov reckoned that Makhachev and Volkanovski fought their hearts out inside the Octagon. However, it was clear that the Dagestani fighter got the better of “The Great” in three of the five rounds.
“I think it was a very good fight. Volkanovski was not an easy fight. Islam did what he could and I think it was enough to get the decision. There’s no question he won three rounds,” Rakhmonov told Sportskeeda through a translator.
The best there is but not ever
It can be recalled that the UFC caused quite a stir after Volkanovski retained as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter despite losing to Makhachev. For Rakhmonov, Makhachev has proven at UFC 284 that he’s the rightful pound-for-pound king.
On the flipside, “Nomad” also pointed out that “nothing lasts forever” in the sport of MMA, suggesting that Makhachev’s reign will also come to an end.
“Yes, of course I believe they should put him [Makhachev] on the number one spot… As of now, I don’t see anyone beating Islam… but nothing lasts forever and situation can change but at the moment I don’t see anyone beating him,” Rakhmonov said.
Makhachev did not mince his words when quizzed for comments about the UFC’s decision to keep Volk as its No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. The reigning lightweight champ said the UFC has been constantly bias and reluctant to give Russian fighters like him the credit they deserve.
As for Rakhmonov, he is set to take on No. 7 welterweight contender Geoff Neal at UFC 285. He will be looking to prolong his unbeaten UFC run following a sensational submission win over Neil Magny at UFC Vegas 57.
