After a dominant win over former champion Leon Edwards earlier this year, welterweight contender Sean Brady is aiming even higher — and he has Shavkat Rakhmonov in his sights.
Speaking on his YouTube series The BradyBagz Show, as noted by MMA Fighting, Brady said, “I seen through a little birdie that Shavkat was saying something about him coming back in November or December. If he’s coming back in November, I want to fight soon — but I would wait and fight him at MSG on the same card as Jack [Della Maddalena] and Islam [Makhachev].”
Brady made his case clearly: “That’s a true No. 1 contender’s fight. Because [Shavkat] was guaranteed a title fight, I beat the No. 1 guy — whoever wins that will be the true No. 1 contender.”
The American, defeated just once in his career, is currently ranked No. 2 in the division, while Rakhmonov holds the No. 3 spot. Brady believes the timing and stakes couldn’t be better, especially if they can land on the same card as the welterweight title bout expected between Della Maddalena and Makhachev.
“We’re going to reach out this week and see if that’s an option,” Brady added. “Let me get on that card.”
He also shared his frustration with the lack of progress on other matchups. “I was calling this kid [Ian Machado Garry] out for months — who’s No. 6 — and nothing’s happening. At this point, I just want a real fight that makes sense.”
If Brady gets his wish, MSG could host one of the most high-stakes non-title bouts in the division’s recent history. “I’m ready,” he said. “Let’s do it.”
