“Usman vs Shavkat Would Be Sick”- Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Manager’s Request for Kamaru Usman Fight Sees UFC Fans Thrilled for Undefeated Star’s Next Fight

Kelvin Gastelum was set to make his welterweight comeback against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov in September. However, a recent injury during training forced him to pull out of the fight. Now, Rakhmonov’s manager is undergoing discussions with the UFC regarding his potential opponent if the promotion does not reschedule the Gastelum fight.

UFC president Dana White had big plans for an event for the Mexican Independence Day. He set up Shavkat Rakhmonov against Kelvin Gastelum in the co-main event in a Fight Night event for that auspicious occasion. However, Gastelum suffered a severe nose injury that resulted in the cancellation of his welterweight comeback.

However, Rakhmonov’s manager, Daniel Rubenstein, is now on the hunt for the undefeated fighter’s next opponent. Reports suggest that talks are being held regarding the 17-0 fighter taking on either Stephen Thompson or former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. This is in case the UFC decides not to reschedule the Gastelum fight.

READ MORE: “You Ain’t That Guy”: After Accusing Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov of “Handpicking” Fights, Fans Brutally Remind Joaquin Buckley of His “Level”

‘Wonderboy’ recently faced disappointment after his scheduled opponent, Michel Pereira, missed weight for their UFC 291 clash. Meanwhile, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ is struggling to find an opponent since his main even loss at UFC 286 earlier this year. Months ago, Dana White dismissed a proposed catchweight bout between Usman and Khamzat Chimaev. ‘Borz’ already has his next fight at UFC 294 against Paulo Costa, but there are no updates on Usman’s next fight. Let us see what the fans had to say about this proposition.

Fans like the idea of a Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Kamaru Usman fight

The fans were quick to jump into the conversation of ‘Nomad’s next opponent. Moreover, they are in favor of watching the 17-o fighter take on the former welterweight champion, which they believe would be a cracker of a fight:

• “Shavkat vs Usman is the fight to make”
• “Usman vs shavkat would be sick”
• “Def usman”

Furthermore, fans claim that pairing Stephen Thompson with Rakhmonov wouldn’t be an interesting fight. Rather, a fight against Kamaru Usman would be far more entertaining, and a win for ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ could put him back into title contention.

• “Definitely not Wonder Boy’s easy a** for Shavkat lol. Why not Usman”
• “Usman wants to fight wonderboy too but if he fights shavkat and beats him he’ll definitely get the title shot again”

However, some fans believe that Kamaru Usman does not want to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov since they share many of the same coaches. They also claim that the former champion might be scared of the rising UFC prospect.

• “Usmans not mentioned shavkat once unfortunately that’s the fight to make but I guess they’re friends”
• “Usman is scared”

‘Wonderboy’ does not appear to be the likely opponent. He recently claimed that September would be too soon for him to fight after his most recent weight cut. However, Kamaru Usman, who is coming from title defeats to Leon Edwards, might be a compelling opponent. In addition to that, a fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov could even be considered a title contender fight.

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