Islam Makhachev vs Shavkat Rakhmonov

[ahill1]

@Warmmedown
@SSJ2
@Father

Let's say Islam moves to WW and faces Shavkat, either before the fight title or if Shavkat had the belt already.

Who do you think gets it?

I think Rakhmonov would likely be too much for Islam. He's a more natural WW, is considerably taller, has considerably longer reach and has a very good ground game which could make Makhachev's attempt takedowns tough ones. His striking is pretty good, and so is Islam's, both got very good striking abilities, however, since Shavkat has the reaching advantage and is arguably more devastating with his attacks since he's more used to WW --- dude seems like a truck fighting while standing, doesn't back down one inch --- I think Shavkat would get this. It's not impossible for Islam ofc, but I think Shavkat would be a little too much for Islam. I think it wouldn't even go to decision, though it wouldn't be a walk on the part at all either... Maybe like Shavkat vs Neal or somewhat harder with Islam pushing it to the championship rounds but getting finished in the end.

 

[Warmmedown]

Dunno, but I guess that the the size is too much. On the other hand, Islam gets tired in the later rounds at LW, but at WW he might have a better gas tank and be able to push Shavkat enough to tire him out (never seen Shavkat in 5 rounds).
Shavkat has good power and his striking is good too. He went to war with Neal, but Neal has very nice footwork when boxing. Islam has good footwork too, but I think Shavkat can find him a lot and wins most striking clinches too.
I think Shavkat finishes him.

Would be a great fight and interesting to see who wins in all areas, just like Oliveira vs Islam and Topuria vs Volk were. Leon will defend against Belal and if he wins either fight Islam or Shavkat next. So Leon could block the fight from happening if he beats either of them first.