Kamaru Usman’s ambitions for a UFC title remain alive in 2025, despite a difficult stretch of setbacks. After experiencing losses to Leon Edwards twice and Khamzat Chimaev, Usman made a strong comeback at UFC Atlanta by defeating Joaquin Buckley via a decisive decision. However, his path to challenging for the title may not be immediate, as current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena is expected to defend against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later this year.
In this context, former UFC title challenger and analyst Chael Sonnen has proposed that Usman pursue a fight against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov as a pathway to regain title contention.
Rakhmonov recently won a title eliminator bout against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, although a planned title fight was postponed after champion Belal Muhammad withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov has since been sidelined by his own injury issues.
If you’re trying to get right to the title… I think one strategy, because I do believe Shavkat to be the true number one contender,
Sonnen said on Good Guy / Bad Guy.
I do believe when Shavkat comes back, he’s probably gonna walk right into a title fight. I do believe between Islam [Makhachev] and Jack [Della Maddalena], I think Shavkat is the alpha male in that room
Sonnen added.
He suggested that Usman publicly challenge Rakhmonov for a number one contender match, which, if won, would likely secure Usman a shot at the title.
I just think he’s the right size, and I think he matches up really well. I offer you that because I think that Kamaru could come out publicly and start going after Shavkat, saying let me fight him. Let me fight him for a number one contendership, of which if he won, I think he would be granted [a title shot].
Sonnen emphasized the strategic value of this potential matchup, noting that very few fighters are willing to face Rakhmonov, which could give Usman a significant advantage if he takes on the challenge.
I think strategy-wise, if he could align himself properly with Shavkat, and nobody’s gonna ask for that job. Nobody out there’s gonna ask to fight Shavkat. If he could come in and somehow get some business with him, it could pay off big.
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Limited Activity Due to Injury Concerns
Although Rakhmonov is regarded as one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight division, his time inside the Octagon has been limited recently. Known for a remarkable 95% finish rate, injuries have restricted his appearances since late 2023.
Rakhmonov last competed at UFC 310 in December, where he fought through a torn MCL to defeat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision. Prior to that, he had been sidelined for a full year following his win against Stephen Thompson in December 2023.
These ongoing injury challenges have delayed Rakhmonov’s anticipated title shot, and the timeline for his return to competition remains uncertain.
Usman’s Position and Potential Future in the Welterweight Division
Kamaru Usman, a three-time UFC welterweight champion, has demonstrated resilience by returning to winning form following a string of losses. Aligning himself against Shavkat Rakhmonov could provide a strategic route to reclaim his status as the top contender in the division.
With champion Jack Della Maddalena likely focusing on a crossover superfight against Islam Makhachev, the welterweight division’s immediate landscape is crowded with high-profile matchups. Usman’s readiness to face Rakhmonov could reshape the division’s dynamics and potentially accelerate his opportunity to challenge for the championship belt once again.
As both fighters recover and prepare for upcoming bouts, the welterweight landscape remains volatile, with Usman’s decision to challenge Rakhmonov possibly setting the stage for the next major title showdown in the UFC.