Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has weighed in on Kazakh fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov, comparing him with other contenders for the 77-kilogram title, infohub.kz reports.
The Russian athlete gave an interview to the well-known sports YouTube channel "Ushatayka." During the conversation, Islam Makhachev was asked whether he rates Shavkat Rakhmonov above Brazil's Carlos Prates and Ecuadorian fighter Michael Morales, who are currently challenging for the championship belt.
"Honestly, I put them on the same level. Prates is dangerous striking power. Morales is very big himself, dangerous both in wrestling and on the feet. Shavkat, overall, in terms of skills, is also a serious opponent," Makhachev said.
Nevertheless, Islam Makhachev predicts that after his departure, Ian Garry will become champion in the welterweight division. It is worth noting that Garry has lost to both Makhachev and Rakhmonov.
Recall that last week, well-known Kazakh mixed martial arts fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov made a statement about a showdown with Russian fighter Islam Makhachev. "I think the most serious opponent for Islam is me. And for me, he is also the most serious opponent," said "Nomad."