Shavkat Rakhmonov
Shavkat Bakhtibayuly Rakhmonov (Kazakh: Шавкат Бақтыбайұлы Рахмонов, [ʂɑfˈkɑt bɑqtʰɯˈbɑjo̙ɫɯ rɑhˈmonɯf]; born October 23, 1994) is a Kazakh professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Rakhmonov is also a former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion. As of December 19, 2023, he is #3 in the UFC welterweight rankings.[6]
| Shavkat Rakhmonov | |
|---|---|
Rakhmonov in 2023 | |
| Born | Shavkat Bakhtibayuly Rakhmonov[1] October 23, 1994 Shurchi District, Uzbekistan |
| Nickname | Nomad |
| Nationality | Kazakh |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[2] |
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) |
| Division | Welterweight |
| Reach | 77 in (196 cm)[2] |
| Fighting out of | Kokshetau, Kazakhstan |
| Team | DAR Pro Team Kill Cliff FC (2021–present)[3][4] |
| Rank | Master of Sport in Combat Sambo[3][5] Master of Sport in MMA[5] |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 18 |
| Wins | 18 |
| By knockout | 8 |
| By submission | 10 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Amateur record | |
| Total | 13 |
| Wins | 11 |
| By knockout | 1 |
| By submission | 1 |
| Losses | 2 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Other information | |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background edit
Rakhmonov was born on October 23, 1994, in the town of Shurchi, Uzbekistan, into a Kazakh family. His father is a Kazakh of the Altynbay clan and his mother is a Kazakh of the Konyrat tribe. Rakhmonov is from the Altynbai clan of Alimuly tribe of the Junior Zhuz.[7][8]
At the age of 16, Rakhmonov and his family relocated to Karagandy, Kazakhstan where their relatives lived. The family was struggling financially, so Rakhmonov started working as a truck and warehouse loader to help his family. At the same time, he started attending local sports clubs and began training in combat sambo.
At age 19, Rakhmonov relocated to Kokshetau after being admitted to Kokshetau State University and began studying in physical education.
Rakhmonov's younger sister, Sora Rakhmonova, is also a mixed martial artist.[9]
Mixed martial arts career edit
Early career edit
As an amateur, Rakhmonov won the WMMAA World and Asian Championships titles.[10]
Rakhmonov's professional career began in October 2014, debuting with a first round triangle choke victory against Adam Tsurov at M-1 Challenge 52. He would continue fighting mainly under the M-1 banner, with seven of his professional fights taking place with promotion, with the remaining five wins coming in his home country's own MMA organization, Kazakhstan Mixed Martial Arts Federation (KZMMAF). He would alternate back-and-forth between the two organizations, earning his first shot at title as a pro against Faridun Odilov for the KZMMAF welterweight belt. He won the title by third-round TKO.[11]
As an 18-year-old, Rakhmonov became a world champion in amateur MMA for WMMAA (World MMA Association) in 2013.[12][13]
In 2014, he became WMMAA's Asian MMA champion.[14] In the same year, he came as a runner-up in WMMAA's World Championship (2014) to Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov.[15] And finally in 2015, Rakhmonov again finished as a runner-up in WMMA World Championship, to Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov.[16] So, Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov is the only person to defeat Rakhmonov in MMA fights, on two separate occasions.[17][18]
Rakhmonov defended his belt in his next fight at Battle of Nomads 11 against Rinat Sayakbaev in December 2018, returning to M-1 at the start of the new year, facing Daniil Prikaza at M-1 Challenge 101 for the vacant M-1 Welterweight Championship. With a second-round TKO stoppage, the Kazakhstani secured his second belt.[19] During this period, Rakhmonov received the nickname “Nomad”.[20]
In his last appearance on the regional scene, Rakhmonov defended his M-1 welterweight title with a first-round stoppage of Tiago Varejão at M-1 Challenge 102.[21]
Ultimate Fighting Championship edit
Rakhmonov was the first Kazakh fighter to sign a contract with the UFC.[22] Rakhmonov was scheduled to face Bartosz Fabiński on March 21, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards.[23] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the event was cancelled.[24]
Rakhmonov was expected to face Ramazan Emeev on July 26, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till.[25] However, in early July, it was reported that Rakhmonov was forced to pull out due to injury[26] and was replaced by Niklas Stolze.[27]
Rakhmonov was scheduled to fight Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos on October 24, 2020, at UFC 254.[28] However, Zaleski pulled out due to injury[29] and was replaced by Alex Oliveira.[30] At the weigh-ins, Oliveira weighed in at 173 pounds, two pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit. As a result, the bout proceeded as a catchweight and he was fined 20% of his purse, which went to Rakhmonov.[31] Rakhmonov won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the first round.[32]
Rakhmonov faced Michel Prazeres at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov on June 26, 2021.[33] He won the bout via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.[34]
Rakhmonov faced Carlston Harris on February 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland.[35] He won the fight via knockout in round one.[36] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[37]
As the first bout of his new five-fight contract, Rakhmonov faced Neil Magny on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38.[38][39] He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the second round.[40] This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus award.[41]
Rakhmonov was scheduled to face Geoff Neal on January 14, 2023, at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Imavov.[42] However, Neal pulled out due to an undisclosed injury.[43] The pair was rescheduled for UFC 285 on March 4, 2023.[44] At the weigh-ins, Neal weighed in at 175 pounds, 4 pounds over the non-title fight welterweight limit. As a result, the bout proceeded as a catchweight and Neal was fined 30% of his fight purse, which went to Rakhmonov.[45] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[46] This fight earned Rakhmonov his first Fight of the Night award.[47]
Rakhmonov was scheduled to face Kelvin Gastelum on September 16, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 227.[48] However, Gastelum withdrew in late July after sustaining a facial fracture.[49]
Rakhmonov faced Stephen Thompson on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296.[50] He won via a rear-naked choke submission with just four seconds remaining in the second round, making him the first person to ever finish Thompson by submission in his MMA career.[51]
Championships and accomplishments edit
- World Mixed Martial Arts Association (WMMAA)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Carlston Harris and Neil Magny[37][41]
- Fight of the Night vs. Geoff Neal[47]
- Longest finish streak in UFC Welterweight division history (6)[56]
- M-1 Global
- M-1 Welterweight Championship (One time)[3]
- One successful title defense[3]
- M-1 Welterweight Championship (One time)[3]
- Kazakhstan Mixed Martial Arts Federation
Mixed martial arts record edit
| 18 matches | 18 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 8 | 0 |
| By submission | 10 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 18–0 | Stephen Thompson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 296 | December 16, 2023 | 2 | 4:56 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 17–0 | Geoff Neal | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC 285 | March 4, 2023 | 3 | 4:17 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Catchweight (175 lb) bout; Neal missed weight. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 16–0 | Neil Magny | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot | June 25, 2022 | 2 | 4:58 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 15–0 | Carlston Harris | KO (spinning hook kick and punches) | UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland | February 5, 2022 | 1 | 4:10 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 14–0 | Michel Prazeres | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov | June 26, 2021 | 2 | 2:10 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13–0 | Alex Oliveira | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 254 | October 24, 2020 | 1 | 4:40 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Catchweight (173 lb) bout; Oliveira missed weight. |
| Win | 12–0 | Tiago Varejão | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 102 | June 28, 2019 | 1 | 4:50 | Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan | Defended the M-1 Global Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 11–0 | Daniil Prikaza | TKO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 101 | March 30, 2019 | 2 | 2:20 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | Won the vacant M-1 Global Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 10–0 | Rinat Sayakbaev | TKO (retirement) | KZMMAF: Battle of Nomads 11 | December 8, 2018 | 1 | 5:00 | Taldıqorğan, Kazakhstan | Defended the KZMMAF Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 9–0 | Faridun Odilov | TKO (punches) | KZMMAF: Battle of Nomads 10 | May 12, 2018 | 3 | 3:03 | Astana, Kazakhstan | Won the KZMMAF Welterweight Championship. |
| Win | 8–0 | Levan Solodovnik | Submission (triangle choke) | M-1 Challenge 87 | February 9, 2018 | 2 | 4:42 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | |
| Win | 7–0 | Park Jun-yong | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KZMMAF: Battle of Nomads 9 | August 7, 2016 | 2 | 1:51 | Hwasun, South Korea | Catchweight (176 lb) bout. |
| Win | 6–0 | Marcelo Brito | KO (punch to the body) | M-1 Challenge 67 | June 4, 2016 | 1 | 1:37 | Baku, Azerbaijan | |
| Win | 5–0 | Adil Boranbayev | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KZMMAF: Battle of Nomads 7 | April 30, 2016 | 2 | 4:51 | Astana, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 4–0 | Michał Wiencek | Submission (guillotine choke) | M-1 Challenge 59 | July 3, 2015 | 1 | 0:49 | Astana, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 3–0 | Bartosz Chyrek | KO (punches) | M-1 Challenge 57 | May 2, 2015 | 1 | 2:51 | Orenburg, Russia | |
| Win | 2–0 | Marcus Vinicios | TKO (punches) | KZMMAF: Battle of Nomads 2 | November 30, 2014 | 1 | 4:58 | Almaty, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 1–0 | Adam Tsurov | Submission (triangle choke) | M-1 Challenge 52 | October 17, 2014 | 1 | N/A | Nazran, Russia | Welterweight debut. |
Amateur mixed martial arts record edit
| Amateur record breakdown | ||
| 13 matches | 11 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 0 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 2 |
| Unknown | 9 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 11–2 | Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov | Decision (unanimous) | WMMA - 2015 World Championships - Finals | November 28, 2015 | 2 | 5:00 | Prague, Czech Republic | |
| Win | 11–1 | Beknazar Kainazar | WMMA - 2015 World Championships - Selection | November 27, 2015 | Prague, Czech Republic | ||||
| Win | 10–1 | Francesco Controversa | WMMA - 2015 World Championships - Selection | November 27, 2015 | Prague, Czech Republic | ||||
| Win | 9–1 | Carlos Irigoitia | Submission (rear-naked choke) | WMMA - 2015 World Championships - Selection | November 27, 2015 | 2 | 0:00 | Prague, Czech Republic | |
| Loss | 8–1 | Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov | Decision (unanimous) | WMMA - 2014 World Championships - Finals | July 12, 2014 | 2 | 5:00 | Minsk, Belarus | |
| Win | 8–0 | Felipe Salvador Nsue Ayiugono | WMMA - 2014 World Championships - Selection | July 11, 2014 | Minsk, Belarus | ||||
| Win | 7–0 | Ruslan Busel | WMMA - 2014 World Championships - Selection | July 11, 2014 | Minsk, Belarus | ||||
| Win | 6–0 | Bek Umarov | TKO (punches) | WMMA - 2014 Asian MMA Championships Finals | March 24, 2014 | 1 | 0:44 | Astana, Kazakhstan | |
| Win | 5–0 | Akhliddin Mirzadavlatov | WMMA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Selection | October 18, 2013 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | ||||
| Win | 4–0 | Kamal Magomedov | WMMA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Finals | October 17, 2013 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | ||||
| Win | 3–0 | Said Davlatov | WMMA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Selection | October 17, 2013 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | ||||
| Win | 2–0 | Azizbek Kubanychbekov | WMMA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Selection | October 17, 2013 | Saint Petersburg, Russia | ||||
| Win | 1–0 | Patrick Asscher | WMMA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Selection | October 17, 2013 | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Бауыржанқызы, Анара (2023-03-06). "Нилді құлатып, тілді көтерді»: жұрт Рахмоновтың тарихи жеңісін отандық арналардан көре алмағандарына наразы". kaz.globalnews.kz (in Kazakh). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
- ^ a b "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com.
- ^ a b c d Brian Knapp (February 3, 2022). "5 Things You Might Not Know About Shavkat Rakhmonov". Sherdog.com.
- ^ Nik Lentz [@niklentz] (June 26, 2021). "Victory!!! Coach Carny 2-0 in #UFC!! It's amazing to work with such talent. The first of many victories with @sanfordmma @shavkatrakhmonov94!!!" – via Instagram.
- ^ a b "Shavkat Rakhmonov | UFC". UFC.com. Retrieved February 12, 2022.
- ^ "UFC Rankings | UFC.com". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2023-12-19.
- ^ "Шавкат Рахмонов рассказал про свой ру". total.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ "Казах или узбек? Шавкат Рахмонов поставил точку в вопросе о своей национальности. Видео - Бокс/ММА". Sports.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ ""Надо всегда соответствовать нашей фамилии". Шавкат Рахмонов высказался о карьере сестры в ММА - Бокс/ММА". Sports.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ "IMMAF | Former WMMAA World Champion Rakhmonov Wins M-1 title; Kazakh MMA on the Rise". IMMAF. 2019-04-03. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ a b c Connelly, Shane (2019-08-01). "Shavkat Rakhmonov becomes first Kazakhstani UFC fighter". thebodylockmma.com. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ^ a b c "IMMAF | IMMAF Alumni". IMMAF. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2014 Asian MMA Championships Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2014 World Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2015 World MMA Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2014 World Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2015 World MMA Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Brian Knapp. "5 Things You Might Not Know About Shavkat Rakhmonov". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ "Shavkat Rakhmonov: I'll be UFC champion within two years". 2022-06-22. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
- ^ Nazira Kozhanova (2019-08-05). "Shavkat Rakhmonov becomes first Kazakh MMA fighter to sign UFC contract". The Astana Times. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ "Shavkat Rakhmonov becomes first Kazakh fighter to sign UFC contract". lenta.inform.kz (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ^ Oleś, Bartosz (2020-01-24). "Doniesienia: Bartosz Fabiński wystąpi na UFC on ESPN+29 w Londynie". InTheCage.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2020-01-25.
- ^ Carroll, Peter (2020-03-16). "Darren Stewart vs. Bartosz Fabinski added to Cage Warriors 113 after UFC London cancellation". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
- ^ Marcel Dorff (2020-06-17). "M-1 Kampioen Shavkat Rakhmonov maakt UFC debuut tegen Ramazan Emeev op 25 juli" (in Dutch). mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
- ^ Lee, Alexander K. (2020-07-02). "Danny Roberts, Shavkat Rakhmonov off of July 25 UFC 'Fight Island' card". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-04-02.
- ^ Marcel Dorff (5 July 2020). "Niklas Stolze vervangt Shavkat Rakhmonov tegen Ramazan Emeev op 25 juli in Abu Dhabi" (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-07-22.
- ^ Marcel Dorff (2020-09-11). "Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov added to UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2022-07-22. (in Dutch)
- ^ Diego Ribas and Natássia del Fischer (2020-09-30). "Elizeu 'Capoeira' injuries his knee ligament and is out of UFC 254". agfight.com. Retrieved 2020-09-30. (in Portuguese)
- ^ Martin, Adam (2020-10-07). "Alex Oliveira returns to the Octagon at UFC 254 when he takes on Shavkat Rakhmonov | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ "UFC 254 weigh-in results: Khabib needs the towel, but makes weight for title fight". MMA Junkie. 2020-10-23. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
- ^ Doherty, Dan (2020-10-24). "UFC 254 Results: Shavkat Rakhmonov Hits Impressive Guillotine in Debut Against Alex Oliveira". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-10-25.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (April 2, 2022). "Michel Prazeres returns from suspension to face unbeaten Shavkat Rakhmonov at June 26 UFC event". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Behunin, Alex (2021-06-26). "UFC Vegas 30 Results: Shavkat Rakhmonov Becomes First Man To Finish Michel Prazeres". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
- ^ Marcel Dorff (2021-11-22). "Ongeslagen Shavkat Rakhmonov treft Carlston Harris tijdens UFC evenement op 5 februari". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved 2022-07-22.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-02-05). "UFC Vegas 47: Shavkat Rakhmonov Floors Carlston Harris with Head Kick". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ a b Wells, Matthew (2022-02-06). "UFC Fight Night 200 bonuses: Julian Erosa pockets $100k for Fight of the Night". MMA Junkie. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
- ^ Bohn, Mike (14 April 2022). "Neil Magny vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov added to UFC Fight Night on June 25".
- ^ James Lynch (June 14, 2022). Shavkat Rakhmonov Reacts to Khamzat Chimaev Win vs. Gilbert Burns & Khabib Nurmagomedov GOAT Status – via YouTube.
- ^ Doherty, Dan (2022-06-26). "UFC Vegas 57: Shavkat Rakhmonov Submits Neil Magny at Buzzer". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
- ^ a b Dan Hiergesell (2022-06-26). "UFC Vegas 57 bonuses: Shavkat Rakhmonov leads $50K winners with buzzer-beater submission". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Welterweights Geoff Neal, Shavkat Rakhmonov to Clash at UFC Fight Night on Jan. 14". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-10-10.
- ^ "Geoff Neal injured, out of UFC Fight Night 217 matchup against Shavkat Rakhmonov". MMA Junkie. 2022-12-29. Retrieved 2022-12-29.
- ^ Mike Bohn (2023-01-04). "Geoff Neal vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov rescheduled for UFC 285 in March". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
- ^ MMA Junkie Staff (March 3, 2023). "UFC 285 weigh-in results: Title fights set, but two come in heavy in Las Vegas". MMA Junkie. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ Dylan Rush (2023-03-04). "UFC 285: Shavkat Rakhmonov batters, chokes out game Geoff Neal in toughest test yet". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
- ^ a b "UFC 285 bonuses: New champs among $50,000 winners in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. 2023-03-05. Retrieved 2023-03-05.
- ^ "Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Kelvin Gastelum set as co-main event for UFC card on Sept. 16s". MMAFighting. 2023-06-28. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
- ^ Nolan King (2023-07-01). "Kelvin Gastelum out of UFC fight vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov due to injury". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2023-08-01.
- ^ Anderson, Jay (2023-09-22). "Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson, Stephen Thompson vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov Set for UFC 296". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-09-23.
- ^ Dewar, Val (2023-12-16). "UFC 296: Shavkat Rakhmonov Submits Stephen Thompson, Now 18-0". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2013 World MMA Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2014 Asian MMA Championships Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2014 World Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "WMMAA - 2015 World MMA Championships - Finals". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-12-01.
- ^ Austin Ingram (2023-12-17). "Shavkat Rakhmonov achieves historic feat by submitting Stephen Thompson at UFC 296". thebodylockmma.com. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
- ^ Sherdog.com. "Shavkat Rakhmonov". Sherdog.