Shavkat Rakhmonov alarmed fans by posting a video from his rehabilitation that showed him far from fighting condition. The Kazakh welterweight has not competed in over a year and a half, making the timing of the video concerning to supporters. Meanwhile, Caio Borralho traveled to South Africa to challenge Dricus du Plessis, who responded by inviting him to spar at his gym and post the footage. The exchange escalated with du Plessis questioning why Borralho believes he is in title contention. Multiple insiders have reported that a bout between du Plessis and Kamaru Usman is being developed.
Unbeaten Kazakh welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov has raised alarm among fans after sharing a rehabilitation video that showed him well short of fighting shape, extending what is already an 18-month absence from competition.
Rakhmonov, 31, carries a perfect 19-0-0 record and sits third in the welterweight rankings. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, the orthodox striker has built one of the division's most dangerous profiles — landing 3.25 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The combination of elite finishing ability across all ranges makes his prolonged layoff a significant storyline at 170 pounds.
Away from the welterweight picture, the middleweight division is generating its own noise. Caio Borralho made the trip to South Africa to confront champion Dricus du Plessis, who responded by inviting the Brazilian to spar at his gym and release the footage. Du Plessis, 32, holds a 23-3-0 record and sits second in the division at pound-for-pound number seven. A switch-stance fighter with a 76-inch reach, he averages a busy 5.18 significant strikes per minute and 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also publicly questioned why Borralho considers himself worthy of a title shot.
Borralho, 33, is ranked fourth at middleweight with an 18-2-0 record. The southpaw lands 3.44 significant strikes per minute at 56 percent accuracy and adds 1.28 takedowns per 15 minutes to his game, making him a credible if contested claimant.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's rehab video clouds the timeline for the welterweight title picture, where his unbeaten record had positioned him as the division's most dangerous contender.
- Du Plessis publicly dismissing Borralho's contender status adds tension to the middleweight rankings ahead of any title scheduling.
- Multiple insiders report that a du Plessis versus Kamaru Usman matchup is in development, which would sideline Borralho's title ambitions regardless of the sparring exchange.
