Shavkat Rakhmonov Claims Islam Makhachev Got UFC 322 Title Shot Because The Russian Fighter Is ‘More Privileged’

Shavkat Rakhmonov has claimed he was originally to challenge Jack Della Maddalena when the Aussie was reigning UFC welterweight champion. However, since Islam Makhachev vacated his 155-pound title after four defenses, he was considered the more privileged fighter and therefore received the 170-pound title shot ahead of Rakhmonov. “Nomad” is not against Makhachev getting the championship opportunity over him. Shavkat Rakhmonov has only stated what the original plan was and how things changed with shakeups in the UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions in 2025. He told ALF Global during a recent sit-down: “The situation in the division’s changed. [Ilia] Topuria…