UFC’s Jack Della Maddalena thinks he can ‘shock the world’ by finishing Shavkat Rakhmonov

“I reckon I could spark him and then get the title shot,” Jack Della Maddalena said of Shavkat Rakhmonov. 

UFC welterweight [autotag]Jack Della Maddalena[/autotag] is confident he could take out [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag].

Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) called out Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) after knocking out former title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 299. Rakhmonov is undefeated with a 100 percent finish rate, so Della Maddalena thinks stopping him should undeniably lead to a title shot.

“I think I finish him,” Della Maddalena told ESPN. “I think I go in there and shock the world. A lot of people count me out, but I reckon I could spark him and then get the title shot.”

Della Maddalena hopes the UFC is on board. Rakhmonov appears to be, after he sent Della Maddalena a stern warning on “X.”

“Great, he’s perfect,” Della Maddalena said of Rakhmonov’s response. “I feel like he’s like a James Bond villain, so I’m happy to be James Bond, and I thought that was the perfect response from him. I don’t know how this thing works, but I think it’s on.”

Della Maddalena broke his arm in the first round of his fight against Burns. He sees late summer as a good time for him and Rakhmonov to fight.

“I’ve seen that he wanted to fight early August,” Della Maddalena said. “He’s carrying an injury, I’m carrying an injury, I reckon I’m good to go early August, so August sometime. Mid-August, maybe down this side of the world. Who knows?”

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Jack Della Maddalena says ‘dream matchup’ is Shavkat Rakhmonov in five-round title eliminator

Jack Della Maddalena has mapped out his path to a title shot through one of the sternest tests in the division.

[autotag]Jack Della Maddalena[/autotag] has mapped out his path to a title shot through one of the sternest tests in the division.

Della Maddalena (16-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) takes on former title challenger Gilbert Burns (22-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) at UFC 299 on March 9 at Kaseya Center in Miami.

If Della Maddalena gets past Burns, he’s eyeing his Kill Cliff FC teammate [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) next.

“My dream matchup is, yeah – fight Shavkat Rakhmonov in Perth, (Australia,) would be my five-rounder for the title eliminator,” Della Maddalena told Submission Radio. “I think he’s the toughest fighter in the division outside myself. I think that’s where the big challenge lies. Obviously, of course, Gilbert, I’m looking at that 100 percent. But if I think of the next toughest guy, yeah: Shavkat Rakhmonov.”

Della Maddalena thinks a win over undefeated Rakhmonov should guarantee him a title shot.

“I like the challenge,” Della Maddalena said. “I think he’s one of the most challenging guys outside of the champion. But I think that sort of fight, (if) you beat Shavkat, there’s not much else you can do except take a title shot.”

After a furious start to his UFC career, Della Maddalena’s past two fights have gone the distance in tightly contested wins over newcomer Bassil Hafez and Kevin Holland.

He intends on making a statement against Burns.

“He’s very good at MMA. He mixes it up well, he’s aggressive, and I think one of his best things is his toughness,” Della Maddalena said of Burns. “I think he’s going to be a hard man to beat. But yeah, I’m gunning. I want to get the finish. … I need to finish. You know, I’ve been lackluster in my last two fights – two split decisions. I’m gunning for the finish.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 299.

Michael Bisping names opponent who could put Colby Covington back into UFC title picture

Michael Bisping thinks Colby Covington’s title hopes may not be entirely over.

[autotag]Michael Bisping[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag]’s title hopes may not be entirely over.

Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) fell short in his third title opportunity when he lost a lackluster unanimous decision to welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 296 in December.

Covington, 35, didn’t put on his best showing against Edwards. With Edwards expected to run things back with Belal Muhammad for his next title defense, Bisping thinks Covington could end up drawing undefeated [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) next – a fight he sees potentially have title implications.

“If they were to make this fight, there’s a big opportunity there,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “Colby has had his title shots, OK, and I don’t think he’s going to get another one. But this will blow your mind: If he beats Shavkat Rakhmonov … I’m not saying he gets a title fight, but if he beats Shavkat Rakhmonov, there’s an argument there.

“I’m not saying I agree with it, but it if he was to beat Shavkat Rakhmonov, guess what? All of a sudden, you’re back in the discussion, baby – right? He would be. If you want to become the man, you’ve got to beat the man. But would he beat Shavkat? I very much doubt it. Now here’s the real question for Colby Covington: If this fight takes place, does he still have it? Does the fire still burn?”

Covington dismissed the idea of facing Rakhmonov next during the UFC 296 post-fight news conference. Instead, the former interim champion turned his attention to Stephen Thompson, who was submitted by Rakhmonov at UFC 296.

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24 fights on our 2024 MMA wish list: Francis Ngannou vs. Jon Jones (still), Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz 3, more

Here’s MMA Junkie’s 24-fight wishlist for the new year.

2023 didn’t disappoint in terms of great MMA action, and 2024 looks just as promising, if not more.

With 2024 underway, there’s a new year of fresh possibilities for dream matchups across the MMA landscape, from the UFC to Bellator, PFL, RIZIN FF, ONE Championship and more.

For 2023, unfortunately, only four of the 23 dream fights MMA Junkie wished for came to fruition. We’re not deterred, however, and are back with another slate of 24 matchups we aspire to see in 2024.

Below, we present MMA Junkie’s wish list of 24 fights we’d like to see in 2024.

Coach Firas Zahabi fascinated, perplexed by Shavkat Rakhmonov’s UFC rise: ‘This guy is very mysterious’

The man behind Georges St-Pierre’s success knows UFC contender Shavkat Rakhmonov is “very special” but says “none of it makes any sense” after studying him.

[autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] has impressed many with his run in the octagon, but for Tristar head coach [autotag]Firas Zahabi[/autotag], it’s left him confused.

Zahabi, a world-class coach who most notably trained Georges St-Pierre, has been both amazed and perplexed by the rise of Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) in the UFC welterweight division. Earlier this month, the Kazakh fighter submitted former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296, becoming the first man to submit “Wonderboy” in his 25-fight career.

Zahabi has an eye for talent, yet he knows that Rakhmonov is gifted but can’t exactly say why.

“I was watching Shavkat, and I was trying to understand what makes this guy so great,” Zahabi said on his YouTube channel. “I still haven’t understood, but he’s great. I just don’t understand how he does it.

“Guys, I’ve watched countless fights, I’ve trained countless hours and trained so many phenomenal, talented fighters. This guy is very mysterious. What is it about him that overwhelms these fighters? ‘Wonderboy’ is a phenomenal striker, and he was even slipping and countering ‘Wonderboy.’ It was shocking to me.

“He out-wrestled ‘Wonderboy’ and choked him out in Round 2. Guys, ‘Wonderboy’ had never been submitted. … He’s never been (submitted), and Shakkat went in there and finished him. Shavkat is very special.”

Rakhmonov has picked up finishes in all of his fights, including six in the UFC. With varied submission wins and knockout victories, Zahabi is unsure where Rakhmonov’s weaknesses lie. As of today, Zahabi believes Rakhmonov has what it takes to become UFC champion.

“Shavkat is something I can’t understand,” Zahabi said. “I’m intrigued. I can’t wait to watch more of him. I can’t wait to see what weaknesses this man has.

“Can he beat Leon Edwards? I can’t say no to that. I cannot say no. I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m going to find out like the rest of you guys. To me, it’s insane what he’s done in the octagon. It doesn’t make any sense. None of it makes any sense.”

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MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month for December: Sean Brady mauls Kelvin Gastelum

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from December 2023.

With another action-packed month of MMA in the books, MMA Junkie looks at the best submissions from December 2023: Here are the five nominees, listed in chronological order, and winner of MMA Junkie’s Submission of the Month award for December.

At the bottom of the post, let us know if we got it right by voting for your choice.

Nominees

Shavkat Rakhmonov says he fought with a ‘very serious injury’ at UFC 296, nearly pulled out

Shavkat Rakhmonov was compromised heading into UFC 296.

[autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] was compromised heading into UFC 296.

Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) submitted former title challenger Stephen Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) on this past Saturday’s main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but was forced to change up his strategy.

In an interview with Laura Sanko, Rakhmonov was asked about tearing a major ligament in his ankle six weeks prior to the fight, which had the undefeated contender contemplating withdrawing from the fight.

“I had a very serious injury and I was even close to pulling out from the fight, but I decided to risk it all,” Rakhmonov said through an interpreter on the UFC post-fight show. “That’s why I didn’t kick it with my legs, just used my knees. But thank God, I got the victory.”

Rakhmonov, who was the biggest favorite of UFC 296. called for a title shot after maintaining his 100 percent finish rate. “Nomad” wasn’t concerned about being limited with his offense against Thompson, but hopes to enter his next fight fully healthy.

“Hopefully next time, with God’s willing, I’m going to be 100 percent,” Rakhmonov said. “But it doesn’t matter. Whatever injury, you know I’m going to fight to my last blood, until the last sip of blood, because I have to get a win.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.

Shavkat Rakhmonov: ‘I’m definitely ready for the title shot’ after win over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296

Shavkat Rakhmonov wants a shot at UFC gold.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag] thinks it’s time he fights for UFC gold.

The undefeated UFC welterweight contender furthered his streak in the division Saturday when he submitted former title challenger Stephen Thompson on the main card of UFC 296, the UFC’s final event of 2023, at the T-Mobile Arena.

Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) controlled the fight from start to finish, and he believes he’s prime for an opportunity at Leon Edwards’s belt.

“Time will show, but I’m definitely ready for the title shot,” Rakhmonov said through a translator at the UFC 296 post-fight press conference.

With the win, Rakhmonov also became the first man to submit Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC), an accolade he doesn’t take lightly.

“I’m very happy to get this win,” Rakhmonov said. “This was a very important fight for me, and I believe it was not only important for me, but for my team and my country.

“I prepared very well for this fight, but I had to be patient. I believe I won the first round. I wasn’t in a rush to get to finish first, but I got it eventually, so I believe it was a good fight.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.

UFC 296 post-event facts: Colby Covington joins rare company with 0-3 title fight record

The best facts to come out of UFC 296, which saw Colby Covington and Tony Ferguson join exclusive and unfortunate clubs in defeat.

The UFC’s final event of the 2023 started with a bang, but ended somewhat slow as UFC 296 unfolded at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The two championship fights to close out the calendar year saw both belts stay put. [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) defeated [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag] (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) by unanimous decision to defend welterweight gold in the headliner, while [autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag] (27-5 MMA, 11-3 UFC) also got the nod on the scorecards over [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag] (15-7 MMA, 5-3 UFC) to retain flyweight gold.

For more on the numbers behind the card, check below for MMA Junkie’s post-event facts from UFC 296.

UFC 296 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: 2023 total closes at $8.1 million

Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 296 took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $339,500.

LAS VEGAS – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 296 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $339,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 296 took place at T-Mobile Arena. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

The full UFC 296 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Colby Covington[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Alexandre Pantoja[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Brandon Royval[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Shavkat Rakhmonov[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Stephen Thompson[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Josh Emmett[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Bryce Mitchell[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Alonzo Menifield[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Dustin Jacoby[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Irene Aldana[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Karol Rosa[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Cody Garbrandt[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Brian Kelleher[/autotag]: $16,000

[autotag]Ariane Lipski[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Casey O’Neill[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Tagir Ulanbekov[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Cody Durden[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Andre Fili[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Lucas Almeida[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Shamil Gaziev[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Martin Buday[/autotag]: $4,500

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2023 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $22,707,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.