Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of the best contenders in the sport right now, or is he? Some people are overrating him, some underrating him. I think that he is overrated and overhyped. I get that guy is 18-0. I get that he has 18 finishes. But let's see what matters the most - record inside the UFC, names that he beat and heaviness of those names. So, he is 6-0 in the UFC. First win: Alex Oliveira 25-16-1 ( 11-10-1 UFC) Record recent pre-facing Shavkat in Oct. 2020, 2-3. Record post-facing Shavkat in Oct. 2020, 0-4 which resulted in being released from UFC roster. So, what does this win mean for him? Nothing, despite we can argue it's ok it was his debut. Second win: Michel Prazeres 27-6 (10-4 UFC) Record recent pre-facing Shavkat in June 2021, 0-1. Record post-facing Shavkat in June 2021, 1-2 but not in the UFC. He was cut after Shavkat fight. His record on paper looks nice, both overall and UFC record. He has some good names on his record (Burns, Taisumov, Des Green), but worth mentioning is that he fought either 2-3 times a year or every 2nd-3rd year. What does this W mean for Shavkat? On paper still not much or it does not carry some heaviness. Third win: Carlston Harris 19-6 (4-2 UFC) Record recent pre-facing Shavkat in Feb. 2022, 2-0, wins over Christian Aguillera (?), and Impa Kasanganay. Record post-facing Shavkat 2-1. This is on paper of a similar heaviness as recent 2, but still nothing wow. 2 guys also KO/TKOed Harris. Fourth win: Neil Magny 29-12 (22-11 UFC) Recent record pre-facing Shavkat in June 2022, 2-1. Record post-facing Shavkat in June 2022, 3-3. Without a doubt, heaviest name on his record at that point of career. But who is Neil Magny? Everyone knows that Magny is UFC's favorite sacrifical lamb to new WW contenders. Also, one of the best gatekeepers ever. Still doesn't bring that much as it is not that hard to finish, let alone defeat Neil Magny. 'My opinion, 3 names he beat before facing Magny were not enough good to deserve ranked fight. Fifth win: Geoff Neal 15-6 (7-4 UFC) Recent record pre-facing Shavkat in March 2023, 2-0. Record post facing Shavkat, 0-1. No doubt best fighter and heaviest name now, but Neal should've fought better ranked guy than himself at that point, not down. His 2 wins before facing Shavkat are better than Shavkat's 4 before facing Neal. Also, Neal lost to 2 guys that Shavkat beat, so this win still ain't that heavy on me. Idk. Sixth, and final win: Stephen Thonpson 17-7-1 (12-7-1 UFC) Recent record pre-facing Shavkat in Dec. 2023, 1-2. Hasn't fought since Shavkat fight. Again, no question about how last 3 wins in Shavkat's favour are progressively heavier and better than previous one that he fought, but imo this still is not good enough to deserve title shot, which he most likely is going to get. So, quick recap: Record of guys after facing Shavkat is 6-11. Guys that are no longer in the UFC is 2. Meaning, Shavkat has only 4 wins against current roster. Wins in top 5: 0. Wins in top 10: 1. Wins in top 15: 3, barely. Thompson is stiker, opposite of what Shavkat is. Thompson is 41 yo. Neal is striker, opposite of what Shavkat is. Neal is 34 yo. Magny is whatever. Magny is 37 yo. Shavkat is not the most active guy. There are bunch of contenders in every division that are finishing everyone and are fighting every 3rd-4th most or even sooner than that. Shavkat waited 8, 8, 4, 9, 9 months as he always wanted the best option for him. Shavkat Rakhmonov does not deserve title shot. Shavkat needs one more win in top 5. Prefferably against guy who is in his prime or someone who has good grappling because he hasn't fought any decent, let alone good grappler. I would rather give title shot to JDM. Or give rematch to Leon.