- The rising UFC star believes he is next in line for a welterweight title shot.
- Shavkat Rakhmonov spoke about Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC
- UFC President Dana White confronted McGregor about a return date
UFC welterweight title contender Shavkat Rakhmonov is confident the organization will keep its word and give him a championship shot ahead of Conor McGregor, should the Irishman ever make his long-awaited return.
McGregor has earned legendary status as one of the UFC’s biggest stars, but he hasn’t fought since being defeated by Dustin Poirier three years ago.
The former multi-belt champion was scheduled to fight again in June but was forced to pull out of his bout with Michael Chandler citing an injury that required treatment.
McGregor has floated plans to fight before the end of the year, despite UFC president Dana White rejecting the suggestion, and Rakhmonov believes he will be honored as Belal Muhammad’s next challenger.
Rakhmonov, 29, is the favorite to challenge Muhammad for his welterweight title in what will be his first defense since dethroning former holder Leon Edwards.
UFC welterweight title contender Shavkat Rakhmonov (pictured) is confident the organisation will keep its word if Conor McGregor returns to the ring.
Rakhmonov, 29, (left), is the favorite to challenge Belal Muhammad for his welterweight title.
UFC legend McGregor has outlined his plans to return to the ring before the end of the year.
Rakhmonov claimed he was previously offered the chance to fight Muhammad but a date was never agreed and there are some fears a spectacular return from McGregor could see him jump to the front of the title fight queue.
Commenting on his place in the pecking order, Rakhmonov said: MMA Fighting:I understand that he (McGregor) is a big star, but in my head I don’t see it possible.
“I think UFC is the best and fairest organization, so I think they’re going to do everything right.”
‘To be honest, I don’t even think about when Conor is going to fight, (and) when he’ll be ready. I don’t think about all that. He’s been preparing to fight for a long time, but he hasn’t been able to do it yet.
UFC president Dana White (right) has rejected suggestions that McGregor is close to a return
‘So in my head, I don’t really think about him (maybe) winning this fight in three years. Is that going to do anything?
“I understand that he’s a big star, but in my head I don’t see it possible. I think the UFC is the best and the fairest organization, so I think they’re going to do everything right,” he added.
UFC boss White has so far rejected McGregor’s claims that he will fight for the organisation before the end of the year as he continues to step up his training regime.
His return will likely coincide with a major UFC card given the global interest in seeing the Irishman return to the arena for what many believe could be his final time.