Las Vegas, NV – After having his fight pushed to UFC 285 welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov is ready to face Geoff Neal on the main card portion this Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
“It’s a great big event. I’m in a great mood, you know, just ready to go as usual,” Rakhmonov told reporters including Cageside Press through a translator on Wednesday.
Rakhmonov (16-0) was set to face Neal in January, but the fight fell through due to an undisclosed injury to his opponent.
“At first I wanted them to find a replacement, but they couldn’t. Everything happens for the best, and now I’m part of such a big event,” Rakhmonov said.
Ultimately the fight stayed together and ended up on one of the biggest cards so far this year.
“He’s higher in the rankings than me. He’s a good fighter, good striker. We’re going to check his skills,” he said.
Rakhmonov has been mentioned on the short list of possible title contenders at 170 pounds.
“Yeah I think after this fight maybe one or maximum two fights before I fight for the title,” said Rakhmonov.
It wasn’t all business on Wednesday as Rakhmonov was asked about one of his biggest fans who currently works for the UFC, commentator Laura Sanko.
Recently a viral clip of Sanko clearly being very impressed by Rakhmonv was out on social media. Rakhmonov nearly blushed when asked if he had seen it.
“Yes of course I saw that video,” Rakhmonov said.
“What can I say? As a man you always like when woman adores you. What else can I say?”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Shavkat Rakhmonov above. Rakhmonov faces Geoff Neal on the main card portion of UFC 285 on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.
