Islam Makhachev’s rise has reshaped the UFC landscape. After winning the lightweight belt and then moving up to capture the welterweight title at UFC 322 with a dominant victory, many fans and analysts believe he may be unstoppable.
His high-pressure grappling, suffocating top control, and calmness under fire make him look almost untouchable inside the Octagon.
But whenever a champion looks invincible, the sport finds a challenger who can push them to their limits.
For Makhachev, that challenger might not just test him, he might be the one who dominates him.
And that fighter is the unbeaten Kazakh phenom:
Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Shavkat isn’t just another contender. He is the one name that keeps coming up among coaches, fighters, and hardcore analysts as the matchup Makhachev should worry about.
The two share similar strengths, but Shavkat brings something dangerous: size, finishing ability, creativity, and a complete skill set that directly threatens Islam’s dominant style.
While Islam talks about Kamaru Usman and other potential fights, he avoids mentioning Shavkat’s name, which has many fans wondering if he truly wants that challenge.
Below is a deep and honest look at why Shavkat Rakhmonov may be the only fighter in the welterweight division who can not only stop Islam Makhachev but possibly dominate him.
Islam Makhachev at Welterweight: A New Era of Dominance?
Islam Makhachev didn’t just move up to welterweight he stamped his authority on the division immediately.
His performance at UFC 322 showed the same suffocating grappling pressure that defined his lightweight reign. He looked stronger, faster, and just as controlled as ever.
That win made many fans believe that Islam might become a two-division ruler with no resistance.
However, the welterweight division is full of powerful strikers and strong grapplers, yet none of them seem to have the right blend of attributes to beat Makhachev.
- Strikers get smothered.
- Grapplers get out-positioned.
- Pressure fighters often get countered or taken down.
Islam’s style usually breaks fighters mentally before it breaks them physically.
But one fighter doesn’t fit the mold of those who fall victim to Islam’s pressure.
And that is where Shavkat Rakhmonov becomes the story.
Shavkat Rakhmonov: The Unbeaten Nightmare of the Welterweight Division
Shavkat Rakhmonov stands at 19-0, with finishes in every fight except one — his most recent matchup with Ian Garry.
Even in that fight, he controlled the action and displayed tactical patience instead of reckless risks.
There is a reason fighters and analysts call him:
- The most complete fighter in the division
- The quiet killer
- The most dangerous man at welterweight
Shavkat combines a terrifying mix of:
- High-level wrestling
- Powerful grappling
- Strong clinch game
- Technical striking
- Fight-ending submissions
- Natural size and reach
For a fighter like Islam, who relies heavily on grappling dominance, Shavkat brings the one thing that has historically troubled dominant wrestlers:
Someone who can match and possibly surpass them in their strongest area.
A Wrestling Background Few Can Handle
Shavkat grew up wrestling in Kazakhstan, where the training is brutal, disciplined, and rooted in national tradition.
That background shaped his strength, balance, and instinctive grappling reactions.
Unlike many fighters who pick up wrestling later, Shavkat’s foundation is natural.
That is a nightmare matchup for someone like Islam who relies on getting clean entries and controlling positions.
Physical Tools: Size Matters Against Islam
Islam was large for lightweight, but at welterweight he is average in size. Shavkat, on the other hand, is one of the biggest and strongest fighters in the division.
Islam has never fought someone at welterweight with:
- Equal grappling credentials
- A longer reach
- A stronger frame
- The ability to fight comfortably at range and close quarters
Against most opponents, Islam controls the clinch. Against Shavkat, that’s no guarantee.
Why Shavkat Is the Only One Who Can Dominate Islam Makhachev
Breaking down the matchup from a technical perspective shows why Shavkat stands apart from every other welterweight.
Shavkat Can Neutralize Islam’s Best Weapon
Islam’s pressure wrestling is built on:
- Cage control
- Timing the level change
- Strong hips
- Quick transitions
- Dominant top control
The problem for Islam is that Shavkat thrives in those exact same areas. He is comfortable:
- Wrestling in the clinch
- Using trips and throws
- Attacking off scrambles
- Reversing positions
- Fighting at a slow, grinding pace
Most fighters panic when Islam grabs their legs. Shavkat stays calm.
Most fighters struggle to win scrambles. Shavkat wins them cleanly.
This is why so many experts believe Islam cannot rely on wrestling against Shavkat — he might actually lose those exchanges.
Shavkat’s Submission Game Is More Dangerous
Islam has great submissions, but his grappling is often control-based. Shavkat is more aggressive with submissions, chasing:
- Guillotines
- Rear-naked chokes
- Knee bars
- Anacondas
- Darces
- Triangle variations
He attacks constantly, even from disadvantaged positions.
This is key because Islam rarely faces fighters willing to attack while being controlled. Shavkat not only attacks, he attacks effectively.
Striking Advantage Goes to Shavkat
Islam’s striking is efficient, not intimidating. He uses it to set up takedowns.
Shavkat’s striking is creative, sharp, and unpredictable.
He uses:
- Straight shots
- Knees up the middle
- High kicks
- Spinning attacks
- Patient counters
Islam has been clipped in several fights — by Dustin Poirier, Alexander Volkanovski, Adriano Martins, and even Leon Edwards in a sparring clip years ago.
Shavkat has the size and power to capitalize on those openings in a way Islam’s lighter opponents could not.
Shavkat’s Composure Matches Islam’s Calmness
Islam thrives when opponents break mentally.
Shavkat doesn’t break.
He is calm, expressionless, and ruthless. The moment he sees weakness, he pressures. The moment he gets hurt, he fires back.
This mental strength is vital in a matchup with Islam, who wins many fights through consistent pressure and psychological dominance.
Is Islam Makhachev Avoiding Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Fans have noticed something interesting:
Every time Islam talks about potential fights at welterweight, he mentions Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, Belal Muhammad, and other big names.
But he never mentions Shavkat.
Even after Shavkat won big fights, even after he became the top contender, Islam still avoided saying his name.
This has created a narrative among fans and fighters that Islam may be intentionally looking for matchups that don’t involve Shavkat’s dangerous style.
Now, to be fair, sometimes champions and their teams are thinking marketing first — big names, easy promotion, high-selling events.
But in this case, avoiding Shavkat raises questions.
No fighter wants the hardest challenge when easier options exist.
And Shavkat is, without debate, the hardest challenge.
What Makes This Fight So Interesting for the Fans
If the UFC decides to book Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, it could become one of the greatest stylistic matchups in welterweight history.
Why?
Because it’s rare to see:
- Two elite grapplers
- Both undefeated at the division
- Both incredibly disciplined
- Both highly skilled everywhere
- Both physically strong
- Both mentally unshakeable
The matchup is competitive everywhere:
Grappling:
Even or slightly in Shavkat’s favor due to size and aggression.
Striking:
Advantage Shavkat due to creativity and power.
Cardio:
Both elite.
Fight IQ:
Both high-level.
Finishing ability:
Shavkat is historically more dangerous.
This is not a normal challenger vs. champion storyline.
This is a clash of two fighters who rarely lose even a round.
That is what makes the potential fight extraordinary.
Islam’s Legacy Depends on This Fight
If Islam wants to be considered truly unbeatable at welterweight, he must fight Shavkat. There is no way around it.
Great champions are not remembered for avoiding challenges, they are remembered for taking them.
Right now, Islam’s resume at welterweight is strong but not complete.
A dominant win over Shavkat would be career-defining.
A loss would show the world just how good Shavkat is.
Either way, it’s the fight the division needs.
Will the UFC Book Makhachev vs. Rakhmonov?
The UFC usually loves undefeated hype, dangerous contenders, and big international matchups.
Kazakhstan vs. Russia
19-0 vs. champion
Two elite grapplers
This is a massive PPV event waiting to happen.
The only question is:
Does Islam want it?
If he continues looking at names like Usman, Covington, and other former champions, the fight may take longer to materialize.
- But if the UFC wants the most justified contender…
- If the fans want the most competitive fight…
- If Dana White wants a matchup with real intrigue…
Then Shavkat Rakhmonov is the clear answer.
Conclusion: Shavkat Rakhmonov — The One Man Who Can Dominate Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev’s dominance is real. His skill set is elite, his mindset is rock solid, and his record speaks for itself.
But greatness always meets its greatest test, and in the welterweight division, that test is Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Shavkat has:
- The wrestling to stop Islam’s takedowns
- The grappling to threaten him
- The size to control him
- The striking to hurt him
- The composure to withstand his pressure
- The finishing ability to end the fight anywhere
No other welterweight combines all these attributes in a single package.
This is why Shavkat is seen as the only fighter capable of not only stopping Islam Makhachev but potentially dominating him.
Fans want it. Analysts want it. The division needs it.
Now we wait to see if the UFC is ready to make it happen…
And whether Islam Makhachev is finally willing to say the name he has avoided:
Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Ashish Lavania is a dedicated combat sports analyst and the mind behind some of the most detailed breakdowns in modern fight media. Specializing in UFC, MMA, and boxing analysis, Ashish combines deep technical knowledge with a fan-first approach, delivering insights that are easy to understand yet backed by real fighting IQ.