Shavkat Rakhmonov has already cemented his place as one of the brightest stars in the UFC. With this comes a whirlwind of fans and global recognition. This led to rumors swirling among fans about a possible connection between the Kazakh sensation and UFC analyst Laura Sanko. The speculation gained traction after Sanko showered Rakhmonov with glowing praise following his dominant performance against Geoff Neal at UFC 285.

As ‘Nomad’ prepares to face another undefeated phenom, Ian Garry, at UFC 310, the stakes have never been higher. Adding a special touch to the hype surrounding this matchup, the 42-year-old analyst delivered a heartfelt message to Rakhmonov in Kazakh ahead of his quest for a 19th consecutive victory. This thoughtful gesture showcased not only her respect for his talent but also her effort to connect with him culturally, further fueling fan anticipation for the fight.

Laura Sanko shares her honest opinion about Shavkat Rakhmonov before his fight

Shavkat Rakhmonov is undeniably one of the UFC’s most unique and formidable talents, boasting a perfect record with an astonishing 100% finish rate—a feat that has earned him a place among the top non-champions on the UFC roster. UFC analyst Laura Sanko, who has become known for her insightful commentary, recently highlighted Rakhmonov’s fighting prowess during an appearance at the World MMA Awards.

When speaking with Caroline Pearce, Sanko couldn’t help but express her admiration for Rakhmonov’s demeanor in the cage, calling it “chills” worthy. Her remarks emphasized the Kazakh fighter’s ability to remain composed while delivering dominant performances. In a lighthearted moment during the interview, Sanko attempted to speak Kazakh to show her respect for Rakhmonov’s heritage.

While her attempt at the language didn’t go quite as planned—she joked, “I am forgetting the last word, it’s a very difficult language. I really hope there are no Kazakh people watching”. It was clear that she was trying her best. When Pearce asked her what she meant to say, Sanko clarified, “Well, I didn’t quite get it out, but Shavkat is a true Kazakh warrior.”

The whole story between Laura Sanko and Shavkat Rakhmonov started unraveling at UFC 285. Sanko openly shared how Shavkat Rakhmonov’s performance gave her “chills,” sparking curiosity among fans about a possible connection. When asked about Sanko’s praise, Rakhmonov responded positively, fueling further speculation. But do their interactions extend beyond professional boundaries? Here’s a closer look at how everything unfolded between the two.

What really happened between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Laura Sanko?

“Shavkat Rakhmonov – that man gives me chills,” Laura Sanko confessed during a show on ESPN, revealing her admiration for the undefeated UFC fighter. Sanko expressed her eagerness to interview Rakhmonov, even admitting that the thought of speaking to him made her nervous. Her wish was eventually granted, and she had the opportunity to meet the Kazakh fighter face-to-face—a moment that fans had eagerly anticipated.

In the world of the UFC, it’s common for analysts to interview fighters, so their interactions are a natural part of the job. However, what made this particular exchange even more interesting was Rakhmonov’s response when asked about Sanko’s admiration. “Yes, of course. I saw that video. What can I say? As a man, you always like when a woman adores you,” he said after his victory at UFC 285. This comment added an intriguing layer to their dynamic, further fueling speculation about the relationship between the two.

Despite the rumors, Sanko was quick to clarify her feelings during an interview. “Can we please address this? I don’t have a crush on the man. I like his fighting style,” she said, putting an end to any speculation about a personal connection. For Sanko, it’s Rakhmonov’s fighting prowess that stands out, and she’s made it clear that her admiration is rooted in his exceptional skills inside the Octagon.

As UFC 310 approaches, many analysts and fans are predicting that Ian Garry might be the toughest challenge Rakhmonov has faced so far in his career. But will the Irishman prove to be the one to halt his momentum? Fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, and Sanko herself is no exception—she’ll be watching closely as Rakhmonov looks to defend his undefeated streak and add another victory to his growing legacy.

Do you think Shavkat Rakhmonov will continue his dominant run, or will Ian Garry pull off the upset? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!