Sean Brady has steadily risen through the ranks of the UFC’s welterweight division in recent years, making clear his status as a leading contender at 170 pounds. With several fighters all eyeing a title shot, the competition is fierce, requiring decisive matchups to clarify the rankings. Brady believes a showdown with Shavkat Rakhmonov could help establish a definitive number one contender in this crowded field.
Brady Proposes High-Stakes Fight at Madison Square Garden
In a recent episode of his podcast, Brady expressed his eagerness to face Shavkat Rakhmonov, suggesting the fight be held at Madison Square Garden alongside other top names like Jack and Islam. This event, Brady maintains, would represent a true number one contender’s bout, as the winner would earn their place at the top of the welterweight division.
I seen through a little birdie that Shavkat was saying something about him coming back in November or December, so if he’s coming back in November, I want to fight soon, but I would wait and fight him at MSG on the same card as Jack and Islam, and then that’s a true No. 1 contender’s fight,
Brady said on The BradyBagz Show.
Because he was guaranteed a [title] fight, I beat the No. 1 guy, whoever wins that will be the true No. 1 contender, so I would like to do that. We’re going to reach out this week and see if that’s an option.
—Sean Brady, UFC Welterweight Contender
Frustrations with Fight Scheduling and Pursuit of Opportunities
Brady has made it clear that he has been actively seeking fights since his last bout but has faced delays in securing an opponent or confirmation from the UFC. He recounted recent outreach about possible matchups and event locations but has yet to receive a firm offer.
I have been trying to fight since my last fight,
Brady shared.
They called us about a month ago and asked about me and Ian [Machado Garry] for Chicago. I was in, didn’t hear anything from the UFC or anything after that. So a couple of weeks go by, last week Lloyd [Pierson] reaches out—our manager who also manages Ian—they’re like, ‘What do you guys want to do?’
At this point, October 4, there’s rumors Joe Pyfer might be on that card, might not be on that card, I’m like, ‘Let me get on that card.’ That’s in Las Vegas. And then there’s a Vancouver card, I was like, ‘Or let us main event that.’ Haven’t heard anything back.
—Sean Brady, UFC Welterweight Contender
Implications for the Welterweight Division and Next Steps
As the welterweight roster remains packed with talent and eager fighters vying for a title shot, Brady’s call for a battle against Rakhmonov at a major venue like Madison Square Garden could provide much-needed clarity in the rankings. Both fighters are expected to be highly motivated, and the matchup would likely generate significant fan interest and UFC promotion. If this fight comes to fruition, it would be a crucial step toward determining the next true challenger for the welterweight championship.