Shavkat Rakhmonov concerned his fans with a rehabilitation video showing him far from fighting condition, having not competed in over a year and a half. Meanwhile, Caio Borralho traveled to South Africa to challenge Dricus Du Plessis, who responded by inviting him to spar at his gym. The exchange escalated with Du Plessis questioning why Borralho believes he's in contract negotiations and challenging him to come to the gym. Following this public back-and-forth, multiple insiders reported that a fight between Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman is being developed. The post also notes that Salkilld and Dariush resemble detective movie partners from the 1980s.
Shavkat Rakhmonov has raised concerns among his fanbase after posting a rehabilitation video that suggests the undefeated welterweight contender remains a considerable distance from competition readiness, with the Kazakhstani now having gone more than a year and a half without a fight.
Rakhmonov, 31, carries a perfect 19-0-0 record and holds the number three ranking in the welterweight division. Standing 193 cm tall with a 196 cm reach, the orthodox fighter known as "Nomad" has built his reputation on a well-rounded game, landing 3.25 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy while also averaging 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
In the middleweight division, a public exchange has been developing between champion Dricus Du Plessis and fourth-ranked contender Caio Borralho. Borralho traveled to South Africa, prompting Du Plessis to invite him to train at his gym before publicly questioning why Borralho believes contract negotiations for a title fight are underway. Du Plessis, 32, holds a 23-3-0 record and ranks second in the division as well as seventh pound-for-pound. The South African fights out of a switch stance and generates an aggressive 5.18 significant strikes per minute.
Borralho, 33, is 18-2-0 and brings a southpaw style and 56 percent striking accuracy into his pursuit of the title. The Brazilian averages 3.44 significant strikes per minute and 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The public back-and-forth between Du Plessis and Borralho has reportedly caught the attention of promoters and insiders
- Multiple sources indicate a bout between Du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is being developed, though nothing is officially confirmed
- If the Usman fight materializes, it would push Borralho's title aspirations further down the line despite his top-five ranking
- Rakhmonov's uncertain health timeline leaves the welterweight top five without clarity around one of its most dangerous contenders
