How Islam Makhachev feels about Shavkat Rakhmonov returning to title shot

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev expects to get a clearer answer on his first title defense soon.

It's been just 10 days since Makhachev (28-1 MMA, 17-1 UFC) claimed the 170-pound belt by dominating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, but he already has a plethora of young, hungry contenders waiting for him.

Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who withdrew from his welterweight title fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, hasn't fought since a December 2024 win over Ian Machado Garry. He warned Makhachev that he's the only real challenge for him at 170 pounds, but Makhachev needs to see more.

"First of all, he needs to come back," Makhachev said of Rakhmonov in a recent scrum (h/t Red Corner MMA). "He hasn't fought for more than a year. A contender can't be not active, healing his injuries, and then get back and fight for the title straight away. Yes, we greeted each other, he congratulated me, and we just shook hands. If he fully recovers and the UFC decides that he's next, why not?"

Makhachev acknowledged Carlos Prates and Michael Morales' big knockout wins at UFC 322. Then this past Saturday, Machado Garry (17-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) jumped to the No. 2 spot in the UFC's welterweight rankings by defeating former champion Muhammad at UFC Fight Night 265. He called out Makhachev after the win.

"Yeah, that will be interesting," Makhachev told Ushatayka of Machado Garry (h/t Championship Rounds). "He's also a good fighter. He's on a good winning streak, and he's young. I think it'll be interesting. We'll see. He didn't surprise me yesterday. If he surprised the UFC, then maybe he will be next."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Islam Makhachev takes issue with inactive Shavkat Rakhmonov title shot