Joined Jan 11, 2011 Messages 13,384 Reaction score 9,595. JkMMA. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Khamzat Chimaev. Jun Yong Park, with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, and more for the Middleweight. Shavkat Rakhmonov Spinning Kick KO - YouTube . 13. Zed237 Orange Belt @Orange. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > NEWS; FEATURES;Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. . Sherdog. Like: 3 d2sPeople will still say Shavkat hasn't beaten a top opponent to deserve a title shot. Shavkat is high risk, low reward fight for Neal, Burns is higher ranked, bigger name and more winnable fight. Shavkat Rakhmonov remains. 16 Two top-10 Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweights went public about a huge fight to end the year. His reach, frame, leg reach are too small beyond 155. Thank you for your patience! Media Shavkat Rakhmonov wants to fight at UFC. Thank you for your patience! News Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Geoff Neal. Page 3 of 3 < Prev 1 2 3. Neal weighed in at 175 pounds, four over the welterweight limit, ahead of his match with Shavkat Rakhmonov. Volkanovski is a Champ, has been in the UFC since 2016 and has had 12 fights. ET. Shavkat should be smart and fight up the rankings, not down. 2% I have no idea. Rakhmonov is a mauler, pure and. to work on the forums throughout the week. He most notably fought for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Shavkat Rakhmonov was in control throughout his victory against Neil Magny in the UFC on ESPN 38 co-main event. As of October 24, 2023, he is #5 in the UFC. Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog: Geoffrey Charles Neal (born August 28, 1990) is an American professional mixed martial artist. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. Joined: Feb 1, 2019 Messages: 1,796 Likes Received: 2,136. Volkov Jun. D. Joined Nov 8, 2015. It would be extremally funny. Rakhmonov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) submitted Geoff Neal (15-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) on the main card at UFC 285 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Reaction score. Thread. Like: 4 Raptors2019 Banned. That means the fight will be 3 rounds to give Shavkat the edge because he's a quick finisher, untested in 5 rounders, and if it does go to decision Shavkat will win. Maybe it's cus he's extremely quiet and doesnt talk but he's the best prospect in mma by far. Rakhmonov initially called out Gastelum when he heard that “The Ultimate. Rod Farva War Big Nog! Joined: May 29, 2007 Messages: 19,440Rakhmonov (17-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) submitted Geoff Neal (15-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) on the main card at MMAJunkie Shavkat Rakhmonov wants championship bout following UFC 285 win: 'I'm ready for the title shot'Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Kelvin Gastelum sees Shavkat Rakhmonov as his ticket to UFC title contention. The vast majority of them look typical Asian with a minority look mixed in. Thank you for your patience! Media Shavkat Rakhmonov meets Khabib Nurmagomedov. #9. Jun 24, 2017. The first of many victories with @sanfordmma @shavkatrakhmonov94!!!. Shavkat Rakhmonov: UFC 254 - Nurmagomedov vs. MMA news, interviews, pictures, videos and more since 1997. Heading into UFC Vegas 47, Rakhmonov sp. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Jun 24, 2017. As of October 24, 2023, he is #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Media Shavkat Rakhmonov annoyed by Khamzat Chimaev comparisons. If Shavkat doesn't run right through him it looks bad, and even at 40 Wonderboy is an elite striker that makes good strikers look average. Joined: Feb 12, 2004 Messages:It's unfortunate Wonderboy ducked Shavkat's callout from 2022 by citing the stylistic issue and that he didn't want to just try and grapple/wrestle for 15 mins. Jun Yong Park, with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, and more for the Middleweight. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Shavkat Rakhmonov - Who wins? | Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion Home Forums Fight Discussion UFC Discussion Belal. Round 1. On Wednesday night, AgFight first reported that Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (22-7) has been forced to withdraw from his bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov (12-0) at UFC 254. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. Media Shavkat Rakhmonov Submits Geoff Neal GIFS Thread starter KazDibiase; Start date Mar 4, 2023; KazDibiase "My style is kneeing people in the face. Shavkat Rakhmonov: UFC Fight Night 190 - Gane vs. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. These are mainly chin/ability to take damage, 5 round cardio, and how he deals with adversity. Rakhmonov now draws Neal, and the five-year UFC vet seems as poised as ever to upset the apple cart of the Kazakh prospect. Recent footage has revealed UFC welterweight rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov can be as dangerous in training as he is in the Octagon. Not everybody needs to jump to the top 5 like Khamzat did. After a proposed booking at UFC Fight Night 217 on Jan. However, if Shavkat fights like an idiot, Wonderboy might be getting a gift-wrapped opportunity for one last title-shot. Shavkat Rakhmonov. Shavkat Rakhmonov: UFC 285 - Jones vs. But lets be honest, even if Shavkat does, UFC won't make the fight. Stephen Thompson on turning down Shavkat Rakhmonov fight . 16. At UFC 296, “Wonderboy” is scheduled to fight the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0), an opponent he admits he knew little about until recently. 4 10:30pm ET Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Geoff Neal Outcomes w/Current Odds Neal wins inside distance. Joined Jan 11, 2011 Messages 13,384 Reaction score 9,595. Mike Malott, with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, and more for the. The. Media Shavkat Rakhmonov meets Khabib Nurmagomedov. But Perreira is a tricky fight. Dana was talking about doing a huge Mexican Independence Day event in Las Vegas, which happens to be Sep. WHERE IS SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV'S HYPE? Thread starter Istryker; Start date Sep. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by KazDibiase, Feb 6,. Rakhmonov is also a former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion. 10 spot in the. The Freak MMA Instagram page was first to report the welterweight booking. Deleted member 579771; Feb 25, 2023; The Lightweights; 2 3. OK. Thank you for your patience! Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kazsushi Sakuraba. Vs Leon, I think at range Shavkat is longer, more dangerous and throws at a high pace and in the clinch where Leon is also great, Shavkat is super dominant both at finding opportunistic takedowns and vicious knees and elbows. The UFC Fight Night card without a designation at. #13. Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Herb Dean: 3: 4:17: 11 : Mateusz. Likes Received: 9,769. Rorschachxx, Sep 13, 2022. . News Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Geoff Neal rescheduled for March. News Kelvin Gastelum is OUT of his fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at #NocheUFC on Sept. Dec 29, 2022 #123 FFS. Thank you for your patience! Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Oct 30, 2022 #2 Dude is the most honest duck ever. m. Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0) UFC [8] Rakhmonov engaged in a slugfest with Geoff Neal for the better part of three rounds before locking in a standing rear-naked choke at the 4:17 mark of Round 3. Stephen Thompson, with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, and more for the Welterweight fighter from. View complete Tapology profile, bio, rankings, photos, news and record. Shavkhat has more elite weapons than Khamzat, who is arguably one dimensional. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. Mar 19, 2023. If ufc goes to China this year, make jake ellenberger vs Li jingliang!! JkMMA; Jun 17, 2017; UFC Discussion; 2. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by electric81, Sep 22, 2023. Sept. JAL Purple Belt. 现为 UFC终极格斗冠军赛 次中量级选手。. Rising welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov will welcome Kelvin Gastelum back to 170 pounds in the co-main event of a UFC Fight Night card on Sept. One way or another this fight likely hurts the Shavkat hype train. 13. 1 sparring partner ahead of his bout with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 273 in April. Geoff Neal faces Shavkat Rakhmonov and Mateusz Gamrot takes on Jalin Turner in compelling matchups that showcase some potential contenders, and the promotional debut of Bo Nickal should at least. Sherdog. The unbeaten UFC welterweight contender thinks he merits a title shot and is ready to get the opportunity following his Saturday win. 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. If Shavkat wants to make a case, he can open his mouth. Olzhas White Belt. She made her professional debut in January 2021 against Burayma Akbalaeva and has almost been on a tear ever since. Khamzat Chimaev - Who wins? Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by MXZT, Jun 26, 2022. Gaethje. Killer Kadoogan, Mar 3, 2023. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. 11,516. 26 in Las Vegas. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Media Shavkat Rakhmonov ”we can fight in the streets”, when talking about Khamzat. At UFC 285, Shavkat Rakhmonov defeated Geoff Neal via third-round rear naked choke. Olzhas likes this. 13. Ulberg has earned six of his eight career victories by stoppage. It would be a really good test for him, and also likely a super entertaining fight to get Shavkat some visibility and momentum towards the title shot. Welterweight: Carlston Harris loss. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings Jailton Almeida’s fast track to the top of the heavyweight division may have. Shavkat Rakhmonov 117 vote(s). Gilbert Burns vs. 13. Reaction score. UFC Fight Night 200 Highlight Video: Shavkat Rakhmonov Destroys Carlston Harris. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. By decision. I don't give a shit if he doesn't speak english. 0 5. Pickett, More. Mike Malott, with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos, and more for the. According to reporter Igor Lazorin on Thursday morning, Geoff Neal (15-4) has suffered an injury and has been forced out of his pairing with Shavkat Rakhmonov (16-0) at UFC Fight Night 217. Shavkat has a better record but hasn’t been nearly as dominant as Chimaev. Some 13 months after having a two-bout winning streak snapped by rising welterweight star Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlston Harris is eager to return to the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 221 on Saturday. Shavkat is a great fighter, but doesn’t have that much personality. Replies 22 Views 1K. . Shavkat just walked through him. 13. Result: Fighter: Event: Method/ Referee: R:. Geoff Neal couldn't believe what he was hearing. hope they chuck Rakhmonov on the london card . Be a legend, sir. Their ancestors are mixture of Mongol-Turkic and Scythian Iranian. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. Masvidal and Colby are MIA and wouldn't take it, Thompson already avoided the fight, Leon vs Usman is happening, Michel vs Brady is happening, Burns vs Magny is happening. StonedLemur. 17-0-0. 9,195. Gaethje. Sherdog is a property of Evolve Media (Australia). Replies 42 Views 2K. Sherdog is a property of Evolve Media (Australia). Sherdog Bunceweight Champion @Titanium. Prime Wonderboy could win but not anymore so why do we need to give both guys a dull fight when Shavkat can fight a man he'd be forced to strike with like Neal since Neal has the footwork and power to avoid Shavkat's grappling. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Shavkat Rakhmonov shows interest in Kevin Lee fight, fans don't like it. com. Shavkat Rakhmonov Results are only viewable after voting. Shavkat Rakhmonov (born October 23, 1994) is a Kazakh [5] professional mixed martial artist. The UFC Fight Night card without a designation at. Thompson is scheduled to face Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 16, 2023, at UFC. @purple. Kazakh are genitically 70% Asian, 30% Caucasian. Shavkat is def one of the top upcoming Asians. Page 2 of 2 < Prev 1 2. Shavkat Rakhmonov stays perfect, submits Geoff Neal in final round 11:35 p. 6,383. 16 Two top-10 Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweights went public about a huge fight to end the year. Thank you for your patience! News Shavkat Rakhmonov says Neal is Ducking Him After Geoff Pulls Out of Fight with Injury. This key. and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. chinarice, Sep 22, 2023 #57. 5 Things You Might Not Know About Shavkat Rakhmonov. By Alexander Behunin @AlexBehunin Mar 19, 2023, 8:00am EDT. and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. Shavkat Rakhmonov, left, and Michel Prazeres of Brazil face off during the UFC weigh-in at UFC APEX last year in Las Vegas: You finished every opponent that you have faced. If Neal is offered Burns naturally he would take that over Shavkat, Burns is a bigger name and is higher ranked. Rising welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov will welcome Kelvin Gastelum back to 170 pounds in the co-main event of a UFC Fight Night card on Sept. It worked out though, that Holland fight should be a banger. 沙夫卡特·拉赫莫诺夫 [1] （1994年10月23日 — ）， 哈萨克 [6] 职业 综合格斗 运动员。. 14 was scrapped due to a Neal injury, the welterweight bout has been rebooked for. 7% Kelvin win by decision 4 vote(s) 2. Shavkat thus far has shown better composure, fight IQ, ability to make adjustments, and a more complete striking arsenal than Khamzat. She takes on Ernesta Kareckaite in a women’s flyweight bout, with both women hoping to secure a UFC contract. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. DALLAS – Geoff Neal didn’t think Shavkat Rakhmonov would be as good as he was. His handlers believed in baptism by fire. Doesn't take herself too serious and is very passionate about MMA. Joined: Dec 13, 2011 Messages: 1,654 Likes Received: 1,938. Volkov Jun / 26 / 2021: Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Mike Beltran VIEW PLAY-BY-PLAY: 2: 2:10: loss: Ismail Naurdiev: UFC Fight Night 145. 16 Two top-10 Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweights went public about a huge fight to end the year. Sherdog's live UFC 285 coverage will begin Saturday at 5:30 p. Shavkat will probably have the most "tidy" career, he will stay at 170, win the strap at 170 and beat everybody in the top 5 Khamzat's career is unfortunately way too hectic, and he's had bad luck. ABU DHABI – The UFC 285 pre-fight news conference took place Thursday and the entire main card was in attendance to answer questions. Media Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Carlston Harris february 5. . 21 vote(s) 12. After a proposed booking at UFC Fight Night 217 on Jan. M-1 Challenge 102 - Rakhmonov vs. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. 5. Height: 6'1" (185 cm) Weight: 170 lbs (77. Shavkat Rakhmonov "Nomad" ASSOCIATION Kazakhstan Top Team CLASS Welterweight Wins 17 KO / TKO 8 47% SUBMISSIONS 9 53% DECISIONS 0. June 26, 2021 –透过Instagram. It’s clear to me that Shavkat’s Gameplan is to literally just break you tf down piece by piece. Media Shavkat Rakhmonov army now invade Belal Muhammad's Instagram comments Thread starter Adamant__ Start date Mar 20, 2023; Adamant__ More Blood, More Tracks @Brown. AB234,. Sherdog is a property of Evolve Media (Australia). 3% Jorge Masvidal 12 vote(s) 8. Ken Hathaway. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by Olzhas, Dec 8, 2022. His reliance on kicks will also offer Shavkat numerous trip attempts. Shavkat has more ways to win, is the more dangerous fighter, and the UFC doesn't want Belal to win so he's at a huge disadvantage. 5 Things You Might Not Know About Shavkat Rakhmonov. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Shavkat Rakhmonov made an impressive Octagon debut by submitting Alex Oliveira. Joined Nov 19, 2016 Messages. View the profile of the MMA fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov from Kazakhstan on ESPN (UK). Muhammad Berkhamov about Shavkat Rakhmonov (From an interview with MMA Bulletin): “The most difficult thing is his height, he’s very long. Thompson on Friday announced he’d accepted a UFC offer to face the unbeaten Rakhmonov at the Dec. Shavkat Rakhmonov win. 26, 2021 SUB Rear Naked Choke 2 2:10 win. News Shavkat Rakhmonov says Neal is Ducking Him After Geoff Pulls Out of Fight with Injury. Shavkat Rakhmonov: “There are five opponents that are higher than me in the rankings that I would like to face. Neil Magny breaking news and and highlights for UFC 297 fight vs. cant wait for that fight sometime down the line, both are great. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > News Kelvin Gastelum is OUT of his fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at #NocheUFC on Sept. And. 1% Page 3 of 4. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Media Shavkat Rakhmonov wants to fight at UFC 294 or UFC 295. With the way Rakhmonov was getting clocked on the chin in his last fight Gastelum actually does have a slight chance in hell here. Photo: @shavkatrakhmonov94 Source: Instagram. Last updated on: December 19, 2013. 1 Sherdog. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. MMA. Shavkhat. MMA. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Advertisement. And people seriously thought Khabib could compete at 170 lol. Rakhmonov’s younger sister, Sora Rakhmonova, has been booked to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series on Sept. Varejao pits Undefeated Shavkat Nomad Rakhmonov vs Tiago Bahia Varejao Lacerda fight in Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan on Jun 28, 2019. 6,383. 1 Shavkat Rakhmonov. Submission (Guillotine Choke) Chris Tognoni: 2: 4:58: 10 : Josh. Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Next > Canarinha Green Belt. Shavkat Rakhmonov: “There are five opponents that are higher than me in the rankings that I would like to face. Damm looking at the ranked welterweights, there's not many good options for Shavkat. Location: さいたまスーパーアリーナ. More dangerous fight than Burns in my opinion. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > JAL Purple Belt. 13. Mar 19, 2023. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. Neil Magny breaking news and and highlights for UFC 297 fight vs. Advertisement. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by KazDibiase, Aug 1, 2023. Fight would all depend on if Khamzat would be able to wrestlefuck Shavkat imo. “UFC offered and I. I see it as everybody learns a skill pretty much from scratch (riding a bike, sewing, chess, guitar, how to whistle, etc. Sep 22, 2022 #64 Liverkick-king56 said: I'm high on the Shavkat train but he was. I think we can say that both Shavkat and Khamzat at the very least behave like fighters when trading punches. Thank you for your patience! Media Geoff Neal on Shavkat Rakhmonov: "I'll take the win, easy. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. How would Shavkat do against either Gilbert Burns or Geoff Neal? News. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Media Shavkat Rakhmonov Calls Out Geoff Neal. Rakhmonov was born on October 23, 1994 in Sho’rchi Tumani, Uzbekistan. Adamant, Jan 15, 2023. ah one of these kind of match ups. Discussion in 'UFC Discussion' started by User9992, Oct 30, 2022. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. Khamzat seems to have a higher ceiling to me. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. In this episode of Technical Difficulties, we'll explore how Rakhmonov's. The event does not yet have an official location or headliner. Date Opponent Res. The Sherdog Forums will be upgrading to a newer version of Xenforo on Monday, Nov. It was originally founded in 2017 by Henri Hooft and Greg Jones as Combat Club and later Hard Knocks 365 before being rebranded to Sanford MMA in 2019 after obtaining a. Jesus H. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. ^ Nik Lentz [@niklentz]. Home. Shavkat Rakhmonov or Khamzat Chimaev - Who has a better chance to become a champion? Discussion in ' UFC Discussion ' started by MXZT , Apr 12, 2023 . Sep 2, 2022. Either the UFC has to force Wonderboy to fight him, force Shavkat to fight someone in his gym, or wait for Sean Brady to recover and pray he doesn't pull out again. Sherdog. Shavkat Rakhmonov "Nomad" ASSOCIATION Kazakhstan Top Team CLASS Welterweight Wins 17 KO / TKO 8 47% SUBMISSIONS 9 53% DECISIONS 0 0% Losses 0 KO / TKO 0 0% SUBMISSIONS 0 0% DECISIONS 0 0%. Shavkat Rakhmonov Michel Prazeres 0 0 21 6 1 0 1 0 UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Geoff Neal has a new date and venue. Joined Apr 8, 2022 Messages 1,368 Reaction score. Sherdog Forums | UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion. Gane Mar / 04 / 2023:. Forums > Fight Discussion > UFC Discussion > Khamzat and Shavkat Rakhmonov. The site will be down for the day, and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. He's definitely a better fighter than both shavkat and especially Bo. MMA news, interviews, pictures, videos and more since 1997. “It’s a necessary one for him, because. More Shavkat Rakhmonov News. O'Malley has been in the UFC since 2017 and has had 10 fights. and we will continue to work on the forums throughout the week. Since making his UFC debut in 2020, Rakhmonov has defeated five opponents (including ranked welterweights Geoff Neal and Neil Magny) while maintaining a perfect finishing rate. Rakhmonov hurt Prazeres on the feet and brought the fight to the ground, where he landed damaging ground-and-pound and eventually sunk in a rear-naked choke in Round 2. Shavkat is a great fighter, but doesn’t have that much. Huh? Gerald meerschaert has the most subs in mw history and he just subbed one of the most touted prospects at mw in Muradov. 5. Stephen Thompson on turning down Shavkat Rakhmonov fight. Neil Magny breaking news and and highlights for UFC 297 fight vs. I know the solution for Islam was to leapfrog, but they need something for the shit going on in the background. If Rakhmonov decides to clench and throw knees and constantly keep his hands down he could get bopped. ABU DHABI – The UFC 285 pre-fight news conference took place Thursday and the entire main card was in attendance to answer questions. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Stephen Thompson Agree to Meet at UFC 296 on Dec. If the UFC wants to hang on to older guys to add a little star power as needed, I get that. Joined: Mar 17, 2022 Messages:Promotion broadcast partner ESPN was first to report that Neal and Rakhmonov will lock horns at UFC Fight Night on Jan. com (Jay Pettry) Two top-10 Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweights went public about a huge fight to end. It was like watching Khabib all over again early in his UFC career. Geoff Neal vs. It's going to be hard for Shavkat to get a top 10 fight booked probably for all of 2023. with official Sherdog mixed martial arts stats, photos, videos. Shavkat can just set a lot of traps and can get subs from anywhere. Geoff Neal has a new date and venue. A welterweight showdown pitting Geoff Neal against Shavkat Rakhmonov is slated for the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first event of 2023. Aug. Rakhmonov and boy the pressure that Rakhmonov put on him with every tool in his arsenal was nasty. Hiramagomedov simply covered him with a blanket. Dude, GSP got hate. Shavkat Rakhmonov win. Shavkat Rakhmonov is ready for a step up in competition and some bigger names as he begins pushing towards title contention in the UFC. .