The highly anticipated welterweight bout between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev has been generating buzz in the MMA world. However, in a recent Instagram post, Khamzat hinted at not escalating his conflict with Shavkat. This development has left fans wondering about the status of the potential showdown between the two fighters.
Rakhmonov’s winning streak includes victories over Carlston Harris, Neil Magny, Alex Oliveira, Michel Prazeres, and most recently, Geoff Neal in UFC 285 in Las Vegas. Khamzat is also having a fantastic run in the UFC at the same time. Last year, the Swedish fighter won against Gilbert Burns and Kevin Holland.
Khamzat Chimaev calls for peace in beef with Shavkat Rakhmonov https://t.co/6qeaSeEASK pic.twitter.com/eyGRD6URwD
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) April 11, 2023
How did Khamzat Chimaev and Shavkat Rakhmonov’s conflict start in the first place?
Both Shavkat and Khamzat have an undefeated record in professional MMA, with Shavkat’s record in the UFC now at 5-0 and Khamzat’s record in the UFC currently at 6-0. Fans have been anticipating a serious showdown between the Kazakh and Chechen fighter in the octagon due to previous verbal altercations between the two.
The dispute began when The Nomad made fun of Khamzat’s nick-name, “Borz,” which supposedly means “wolf” in Chechen. The former M-1 World Welterweight Champion made fun of Chimaev saying, “When someone considers themselves a wolf. Wolves are below us!”
The Swedish fighter responded to Rakhmonov, taking the jab extremely seriously, by stating, “To be called a wolf is an honour than to be a jackal in life.” Yet as things heated up, UFC fans started dreaming about a thrilling showdown between the unbeaten fighters.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Shavkat Rakhmonov. Who you got? pic.twitter.com/N8zyfKBRW8
— cotydankh (@CotyJitsu) December 9, 2022
Why Khamzat Chimaev wants to end his feud with Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Khamzat facing Shavkat next is still not a realistic possibility at this point. Kamaru Usman presently holds the top spot in the leaderboard, but Shavkat is moving quickly up the list. The third-ranked welterweight fighter clearly wants to hoist up the white flag for the time being for this reason.
“Peace be upon you. Chechens and Kazakhs have always been brother. I wish you all health happiness love prosperity, may the almighty this month of Ramadan bring you lots of barakat.” Khamzat captioned.
Shavkat Rakhmonov says the ball is Khamzat Chimaev’s court for a future fight 🔥
Full story: https://t.co/DPxNCa0x9C pic.twitter.com/1PmUohmL3e
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 21, 2023
The fact that Dana White consistently gives the fans what they want must be what sets the UFC apart from other MMA organisations. Whether the two undefeated fighters will finally put their dispute to rest in the octagon is now up for discussion. As Ramadan is the month of peace and unity for Muslims, and Khamzat does not want to talk about a conflict with Shavkat during this time.
“In every nation there are people who are not far minded, we wish them well too. May the almighty guide them to the path where they will unite our peoples and not to divide them. InshaAllah! I will try to come to Kazakhstan soon and please my brothers.” Khamzat added.
https://youtu.be/ebR1DHYo8xs
Do you anticipate that Shavkat Rakhmonov and Khamzat Chimaev will ever square off? Share your thoughts and predictions with us in the comment section.
