Shavkat Rakhmonov appears to be open to a battle of undefeated welterweights with Michael Morales, with both men sitting at 19-0. Nothing is official, and Rakhmonov did not name Morales directly, but the hint follows Morales' video calling out Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry and Rakhmonov, whom he called "the final boss." Rakhmonov has been out since December 2024 due to persistent knee injuries, while Morales has not been booked since his November 2025 win over Sean Brady.
Shavkat Rakhmonov appears open to a showdown between two unbeaten welterweights, with Michael Morales the likely target. The bout is not official, and Rakhmonov did not name Morales directly, but his hint reportedly follows a callout video from the Ecuadorian that listed several potential opponents.
In that video, Morales named Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry and Rakhmonov. He described Rakhmonov as "the final boss." Both fighters sit at 19-0, which would make any meeting a rare clash of perfect records.
Rakhmonov, a 31-year-old from Kazakhstan who trains with DAR Team, has been sidelined since December 2024 because of persistent knee injuries. The orthodox fighter stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach. He lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy, and he averages 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, a profile built around pressure and finishing.
Morales, 27, is ranked third at welterweight and fights out of Entram Gym for Ecuador. He has not been booked since his November 2025 win over Sean Brady. At six-foot flat with a 79-inch reach, he is the longer man despite giving up four inches in height. His striking volume stands out: 5.62 significant strikes landed per minute at 49 percent accuracy. He averages 1.09 takedowns per 15 minutes and has not attempted a submission.
Why it matters
- Two unbeaten 19-0 welterweights meeting would guarantee a first loss for one of them.
- Morales holds a top-three ranking, so a fight with the returning Rakhmonov could shape the title picture.
- The styles contrast sharply: Morales' high-volume striking against Rakhmonov's accurate, submission-minded pressure.
- Rakhmonov's knee issues leave his timeline for a return uncertain.
For now, the matchup rests on a veiled hint rather than a signed bout, and neither side has confirmed talks.
