5 potential opponents for Shavkat Rakhmonov following his victory last weekend

#2. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Li Jingliang

Li Jingliang would be a very tricky opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov, but a win over him would be valuable

Last October saw Khamzat Chimaev become a genuine contender for the UFC welterweight title by choking out a veteran contender in the form of Li Jingliang. So could Shavkat Rakhmonov follow in the footsteps of ‘Borz’ by doing the same?

It’d definitely be interesting to see him try. Probably the greatest male fighter to enter the UFC from China thus far, Li was outclassed by Chimaev, but he remains one of the welterweight division’s most dangerous fighters.

‘The Leech’ earned his nickname due to his strong takedowns and stifling grappling style. Over the years, he’s also developed a highly dangerous striking game and his last two victories have come by knockout, including an impressive finish of Santiago Ponzinibbio in 2021.

However, it’s fair to say that despite putting together a UFC record of 10-5, Li has often struggled against more explosive fighters, something that was demonstrated again when he lost to Chimaev last year.

Thus far into his UFC career, Shavkat Rakhmonov has certainly proven himself to be a highly explosive fighter who can finish his opponents off in any area, both standing and on the ground, but does he have enough to deal with a tricky foe like ‘The Leech’?

If he could pull the victory off, then ‘Nomad’ would undoubtedly become a genuine contender for the welterweight title overnight. He’d also be following in the footsteps of the hottest prospect in the division in Chimaev.

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#1. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Robbie Lawler

Shavkat Rakhmonov could gain a huge reputation if he could overcome Robbie Lawler

The UFC has traditionally built their prospects and new stars on the backs of older fighters who are on their way down. In that sense, Robbie Lawler might make the perfect opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov right now.

‘Ruthless’ is a former UFC welterweight champion and he’s also one of the most accomplished fighters in the history of the division. His brawls with Rory MacDonald, Carlos Condit and Johny Hendricks are part of the promotion’s legend.

However, at the age of 39, Lawler is almost certainly at the tail end of his storied career. The fact that he’s won just two of his last seven fights shows that.

So why would Lawler make a good fight for an up-and-comer like Shavkat Rakhmonov? Firstly, despite his recent troubles, ‘Ruthless’ hasn’t been taking knockouts, only Tyron Woodley was able to stop him with strikes during the past few years.

Secondly, Lawler is coming off a win, his third-round TKO victory over Nick Diaz last September. Thirdly, his name and reputation still hold a lot of respect with the fans, even if it’s clear that he’s in the twilight of his career.

Therefore, if Rakhmonov could find a way to beat Lawler, particularly if he could stop the former champion, then it’d be hard not to see him as the division’s hottest prospect not named Khamzat Chimaev. It’d turn him into an instant star, too.