UFC welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov wouldn’t lose sleep if he never fights Khamzat Chimaev in his career.

During an interview with Sportskeeda, Rakhmonov was asked if he’d be disappointed with never meeting Chimaev inside the octagon. He explained how he has an interest in a fight with “Borz” but wouldn’t be upset if the two never fight.

No, not reality. If we are meant to fight, we’re gonna fight,” Rakhmonov said via a translator. “If not, It’s not big of a deal but of course, I have my own sports interest to compete with him but [if] it’s not gonna happen, it’s not a big deal.

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Shavkat Rakhmonov Thinks Khamzat Chimaev Would Have Success in the Middleweight Division 

The 28-year-old also thinks Chimaev would crack the top-five if he makes a permanent move up to the UFC middleweight division. Fans have expressed interest in a potential fight between the two undefeated fighters. 

“Nomad” (16-0) is unbeaten in his professional MMA career. He has wins over Alex Oliveira, Michael Prazeres, Carlston Harris, and Neil Magny. He last secured a second-round submission win over Magny in June 2022. Chimaev (12-0) is also unbeaten in his career. He last submitted Kevin Holland last September at UFC 279. 

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Rakhmonov is scheduled to face Geoff Neal on March 4 at UFC 285.

Marc Ray has lived his entire life in Houston, Texas, where he was born, raised and attended the University of Houston, studying broadcast journalism. As you may imagine, he spends much of his time watching mixed martial arts as part of his daily routine — not only to pump himself up, but also because he deeply enjoys the sport. Ray has worked for Houston Public Media, where he interned in the newsroom and produced community stories. Ray also created sports features in Houston for El Gato Media Network and occasionally produced content for an internship at AARP.