Despite Dana White’s Confirmation for Undefeated Star, Shavkat Rakhmonov Goes Off on Rival With a Humiliating Question

Kelvin Gastelum and Shavkat Rakhmonov were scheduled to face each other at the UFC Noche event on September 16. However, an unforeseen injury sustained by Gastelum led to the match being canceled, disappointing the fans who had eagerly anticipated it. The undefeated UFC welterweight contender will now have to wait even longer for their rivalry to be settled.

In the middle of all the hubbub, Rakhmonov will finally step into the octagon with former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in Las Vegas on December 16. Thompson broke the news on his social media, and Dana White, the UFC CEO, later officially confirmed the bout.

Kelvin Gastelum and Shavkat Rakhmonov go back and forth on X

The 31-year-old fighter was scheduled to face Shavkat Rakhmonov last weekend at UFC Noche. However, he had to withdraw from the match due to a fracture injury that he had sustained during training. In order to rehabilitate his injury and train more effectively, Gastelum had gone to Thailand. However, he had to return from Thailand due to his duties. In a tweet, he stated,  “After 5 weeks training in Thailand, I’m sad to be leaving. But I got the call. When duty calls I answer. Making another run toward the title”

Rakhmonov who has been waiting for the match to happen for a long time in a tweet inquired about Gastelum’s diet and asked whether he is ready for UFC 295 “ How’s your diet going @KelvinGastelum ? Are you ready for UFC 295?”

In response to Rakhmonov’s question, Gastelum added that he shouldn’t worry about him and should instead focus on his upcoming matches. Gastelum added “ Don’t worry about me. You worry about yourself and sign this contract. I’ll be ready Dec 16th! Let’s make a nice war!

The rivalry between Gastelum and Rakhmonov

The sparks of rivalry between Kelvin Gastelum and Shavkat Rakhmonov were first ignited when Rakhmonov boldly called out Gastelum upon hearing of the latter’s decision to return to the 170-pound weight class. Gastelum, who had previously tested his mettle against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, eagerly embraced the challenge. He viewed this upcoming clash with Rakhmonov as a pivotal milestone on his journey towards championship glory. Gastelum was convinced that emerging victorious against Rakhmonov would firmly establish his claim to a coveted title shot in the fiercely competitive welterweight division.

The fighters were scheduled to face off in the UFC Noche event, but Gastelum’s injury has ruled out the possibility. Since the December card for Rakhmonov is already on the table, the chances of their rivalry materializing soon enough are slim.

Read more: Undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov Finally Meets His Match As Jack Della Maddalena Drops a Huge Call-Out of UFC Star

Despite Rakhmonov’s card having already been set, he appears to keep on challenging Gastelum for the match. However, UFC 296 holds the promise of an electrifying night of action as Rakhmonov and Thompson step into the Octagon, providing fans with an exhilarating showdown between emerging talent and an established welterweight contender.

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