“You don’t fast, I thought you are Muslim” – Fans react as Shavkat Rakhmonov enjoys vacation in China with surprising travel buddy Li Jingliang 

Despite recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained while training for his UFC 296 bout against Stephen Thompson, Shavkat Rakhmonov has not competed in 2024. The No.3-ranked welterweight was recently spotted vacationing in China with Li Jingliang, as seen in footage he shared on social media.

Watch the video below to see Shavkat Rakhmonov and Li Jingliang in action:

Upon viewing the footage, fans expressed their reactions. One fan, @rafik_raphique, inquired about Rakhmonov’s observance of Ramadan.

“You dont fast? I thought you are Muslim”

@abdulkarimsabra’s prediction was that ‘Nomad’ would become the champion.

“One day you gonna be the Champion 🙌 so stay humble and be different ❤️🔥”

@chaoyang_5t5 commended Jingliang for his exceptional hosting skills.

“@lijingliangmma 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌 great host!!!!”

@lisergeu85 stated:

“Geelang met Shavkat with dignity, immediate respect is visible!”

@60bayev_nurs posted:

“Li Jilang seems to have invited him to a guest, he used to speak Kazakh in the past 😂”

The idea was put forth by @crazy_commentator:

“nomads are climbing the Chinese wall again 😎”

@azizbek_ruz88 commended Rakhmonov, who grew up in Uzbekistan:

“I respect and support an athlete of Kazakh nationality, who grew up in Uzbekistan as an athlete of my Homeland. I believe in you, one day you will definitely bring the championship belt to Uzbekistan and show it to your fans. If you agree with this comment, press like [Uzbekistan flag] 🤝 [Kazakhstan flag]”

According to @melsa.sulaiman’s statement:

“The gang that gangster should aware of 😤”

Be sure to take a look at the top fan responses:

Boxers Shavkat Rakhmonov and Jack Della Maddalena Show Mutual Interest in Upcoming Match

After his win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 299, Jack Della Maddalena publicly challenged Shavkat Rakhmonov. The welterweight, who is ranked No.3, turned to Twitter to share his call-out.

“I respect your courage and confidence Jack, but you will face the same fate as my previous opponents”

View Shavkat Rakhmonov’s tweet below:

In a conversation with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Maddalena reaffirmed his desire to fight Rakhmonov.

“He’s carrying an injury, I’m carrying an injury. I reckon I’m good to go early August… It’s a big title eliminator fight… I think I finish him, I think I go in there and shock the world. A lot of people counting me out, but I reckon I could spark him and then get the title shot.”

Take a look at Jack Maddalena’s remarks on his match against Shavkat Rakhmonov below (beginning at 14:42).

Despite the mutual interest of both fighters, it remains uncertain whether the UFC will book them to compete against each other. With both competitors being under 30 years old, currently ranked in the top five, and holding impressive winning streaks, the promotion may choose to reserve the highly-anticipated matchup for a later date.