Shavkat RakhmonovvsMyktybek Orolbai

This is the Central Asian title fight nobody saw coming but everyone needs to see. Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh killer who just went five hard rounds with Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, against Myktybek Orolbai, the Kyrgyz finisher who just slept Jack Hermansson in under three minutes at UFC Qatar. Both guys finish fights, both represent that next wave of talent from the region, and both are hunting gold. The stylistic matchup is wild. Rakhmonov's that patient, suffocating pressure fighter who finds the finish no matter what. He choked out Wonderboy, submitted Geoff Neal, and landed that sick wheel kick on Carlston Harris.

Orolbai's more explosive and dangerous in bursts. That kimura he locked up on Tofiq Musayev and the way he flatlined Hermansson showed serious power. When Orolbai fought Mateusz Rebecki, he went the distance in a split decision loss, proving he can hang in deep water too. Here's the thing though. Rakhmonov's never been finished and he's got that championship cardio we saw against Garry. Orolbai's got five UFC fights under his belt with four finishes, but can he maintain that pace against someone who just keeps coming?

This fight answers whether Orolbai's power can crack Rakhmonov's chin before the Nomad drags him into deep waters and finds that neck. For the welterweight division, this would be massive for Central Asian MMA. Rakhmonov's been knocking on the door forever. Orolbai's the dark horse with scary knockout power. Winner becomes a legend back home and puts the entire division on notice.