Laura Sanko discusses rumored crush on Shavkat Rakhmonov.
UFC interviewer and analyst Laura Sanko recently addressed the long-running joke that she’s attracted to rising welterweight star Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Sanko is a self-admitted huge fan of Rakhmonov’s eclectic fighting style, which incorporates wrestling, combat sambo, and a diverse array of strikes.
Sanko’s gushing over the Kazakh’s skills led to a litany of jokes on social media suggesting she may actually be attracted to the UFC star.
These jokes only intensified when Rakhmonov gave his thoughts on Sanko’s praise for him.
“I Got 20,000 New Followers” – Laura Sanko On The Shavkat Rakhmonov Crush Jokes
At the UFC 287 weigh-ins, the Rakhmonov jokes returned thanks to middleweight Gerard Meerschaert, who faces Joe Pyfer at the event. Shortly after weighing in, ‘GM3’ made light of the Sanko/Rakhmonov gag to the panel.
In response, ‘Fancy’ made clear that she does not have a crush on the No.6-ranked welterweight contender. She simply admires his impressive displays in the Octagon.
“I don’t have a crush on the man, I like his fighting style,” Sanko said. “An entire country thinks I do. I need to correct the record… I’m still a fan, I just don’t have a crush.”
Interestingly, the ongoing jokes regarding her and Rakhmonov have seemingly elevated her stock in Kazakhstan. Sanko revealed that, since the joke first entered the public consciousness, her social media has blown up with followers from the country.
“The entire country of Kazakhstan is very excited about it, because I got 20,000 new followers.”
Shavkat Rakhmonov last fought at UFC 285. There, he picked up a third-round submission win over Geoff Neal via rear-naked choke.
The undefeated Kazakh star is making waves at 170lbs and is considered a star of the future. While his next opponent remains unclear, rumors have swirled of a major step-up in competition against the No.4-ranked Belal Muhammad.
Regardless of the opponent, it’s safe to say Laura Sanko will be watching his next fight.