Rakhmonova is set for a UFC title fight. Who will the other Kazakh fighters face? Check out the matchmaking details on Vesti.kz.
Currently, six fighters from Kazakhstan are competing, and only one of them has an announced fight with a designated opponent. The correspondent has matched the remaining fighters with opponents that would be suitable for them.
UFC Vesti.kzTwo Ready: Who Will Rahmonov and Veretenikov Fight?
The only Kazakhstani fighter with a designated opponent is welterweight (12-5). On February 16, he will face an American (9-3) in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA). Read more about this matchup and the Kazakhstani's opponent in our article about Nikolai Veretenikov and Billy Goff.
In essence, there are no mysteries regarding the next fight of another welterweight - (19-0). It’s no secret that Nomad's next opponent will be the division champion - (24-3-0-1). Therefore, there’s no sense in "matching" an opponent for Shavkat.
Shavkat Rahmonov Belal MuhammadAnd what about the others?
Almabaev Returns in March. Against Whom?
There is information that on March 2 in Las Vegas, (21-2) from the flyweight division will also fight. Even with a 4-0 record in the UFC, it’s unlikely that the eighth-ranked fighter will get a title fight. Moreover, the tournament is not a numbered event. So, the Kazakhstani is in for another ranking battle.
Aso AlmabaevThe first and sixth-ranked fighters in the division - (17-7) and (20-7) will fight each other at the same tournament. The second-ranked (22-8) and the fourth (25-11-0-1) are coming off impressive victories. So, it’s unlikely they will be given a fight against a prospect ranked lower.
Brandon Royval Manel Kape Brandon Moreno Kai Kara-FranceThe options are dwindling. It seems that the best opportunity would be to fight the Japanese fighter (16-1). The 24-year-old was undefeated until he lost a split decision to Royval in October. A fight with Almabaev would determine a new prospect worthy of moving closer to the top-3. Additionally, this matchup would help identify the main Asian star in the division, as having many of them at the top of the rankings isn’t necessarily beneficial. Let’s not forget that the last title shot went to another Japanese fighter (21-5).
Almakhan Will Return Only After a Year Off
Everyone remembers (11-2) for his memorable debut against Umar Nurmagomedov. Yes, the Kazakhstani lost by unanimous decision, but he was the first to knock down a title contender.
Bekzat AlmakhanThe 27-year-old fighter has healed all his injuries, completed rehabilitation after surgery, and is now preparing for his return to the UFC octagon. Who would we consider the ideal opponent for Bekzat in his next fight?
Our answer: (19-6). The 30-year-old fighter dropped out of the top-15 only after a November loss to (10-1). He is undoubtedly looking to get back on the winning track and re-enter the list of top fighters. Currently, he is on a two-fight losing streak - prior to McGee, he lost to the legendary Jose Aldo.
Almakhan should definitely be given an easier opponent since Umar was on short notice. He made a good impression, and now the matchmakers should provide him with a fight that can bring excitement. Bekzat is a clear striker, and he needs a fighter of similar caliber for an entertaining bout. Martinez fits this role. Both have nine knockout victories, and they have only achieved three wins via submission between them.
Awaiting the Debut of Undefeated Nurgozhay
The 27-year-old (10-0), who earned a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series (DWCS), is also actively preparing for his debut in the world's top league.
Diyar NurgozhayHe could have a good fight against Croatian light heavyweight (14-4-0-1). This 33-year-old fighter is also a powerful knockout artist and recently entered the UFC. In September, he lost a split decision to Ivan Erslan.
Neither of them will be given a top-15 opponent right now. Both are still in the early stages of their UFC careers. A fight between them would definitely make sense.
Will We Not See Maksum Until Summer?
According to unconfirmed reports, flyweight representative (15-1) will only fight again in the summer of 2025. Currently, he holds a 1-1 record in the UFC; in February of this year, he unexpectedly lost to (Charles Johnson), who was on a three-fight losing streak. After that victory, the American was so elated that he has since gone on to achieve a four-fight win streak and is now ranked 12th.
Azat Maksum Charles JohnsonFinding an opponent for the 29-year-old Maksum, given his delayed return, is more challenging than for the fighters already mentioned. It’s possible that he will face someone who already has a fight scheduled for January-February. However, among the numerous options, we have chosen one intriguing matchup.
This is a representative from Mongolia (8-1). He is 26 years old. He debuted in the league a month ago, losing a split decision to (Carlos Hernandez). Both he and Azat share the fact that they suffered their first career losses in their recent fights. Additionally, both hail from roughly the same region. This would be an interesting fight to determine who among them can still make a strong statement in the UFC, and who is likely approaching the twilight of their career in the promotion.
Nyamdjarhal Tumendemberel Carlos HernandezRahmonov Will Fight for the Title, But What Awaits the Other Kazakhstani Fighters?
In conclusion, based on our predictions and matchmaking insights, we envision the near future as follows:
February: already announced fight Veretenikov - Goff; February: Nurgozhay's debut against Erslan; March: showdown between top flyweights Almabaev and Taira; March: fight between Almakhan and Martinez; April: title fight between Rahmonov and Muhammad; June: bout between Maksum and Tumendemberel.
Once again, we remind you that most of these matchups are our fabrications based on our own predictions and instincts. It will be even more interesting to see how things unfold in a couple of months when the fights are officially announced. Perhaps we will manage to make a couple of "bullseyes."