Shavkat Rakhmonov is an icon in Kazakhstan.
UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov returned to Kazakhstan after UFC 296 to a big surprise.
Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson on the UFC 296 main card last Saturday. Despite suffering from a nasty preexisting foot injury, Rakhmonov was able to control Thompson in the cage and earn a submission win.
Rakhmonov remains unbeaten inside the UFC Octagon after this latest victory. He could potentially be next in line for a welterweight title shot against fellow UFC 296 victor Leon Edwards.
Rakhmonov, a native of Kazakhstan, is proud to represent his nation on the highest platform in mixed martial arts. As his star power continued to ascend, he returned to his home country to a wild ovation.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Swarmed By Fans At Kazakhstan Airport
Watch below as Rakhmonov is swarmed by a slew of adoring fans in Kazakhstan.
Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of just a handful of fighters from Kazakhstan in the UFC’s illustrious history. If he eventually earns a UFC title, he would be the first Kazakhstan native to accomplish the feat.
Rakhmonov is 18-0 in his professional career with six wins in the UFC. He has defeated the likes of Geoff Neal, Neil Magny, and Alex Oliveira during his three-year stint with the promotion.
As Rakhmonov prepares for his next Octagon test, Kazakhstan stands firmly behind him, and he’s on the verge of potentially becoming the country’s biggest all-time sports star.