Shavkat Rakhmonov on BJJ vs. Sambo, Fighting Wonderboy and Eating Horsemeat

Luke Thomas sits down with Shavkat Rakhmonov ahead of his UFC 296 fight with Stephen Thompson. Luke and Shavkat discuss Kazakh culture, how he has prepared for Stephen Thompson and much more.
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MORNING KOMBAT WITH LUKE THOMAS AND BRIAN CAMPBELL, Showtime's first live digital series, spotlights the weekend’s biggest news from the world of combat sports. MORNING KOMBAT airs live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11AM ET / 8 AM PT.
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[@dangermouse9348]

A rare interview with Shavkat. Well done Luke, MK,

[@MetalFacedGamer]

#crumbs 👉🏼

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

People like Shavkat, Leon, JDM.... they are serious about their work. They don't waste too much time tweeting and congratulating or hating other fights or staging stupid videos and other WWE BS.... on an hourly, daily basis like 99.9% of the other fighters. They invest most of their energy in the gym, with coaches & colleagues they are helping or who are helping them...

[@Leg3ndKilla687]

THE Shavkat*

[@dangermouse9348]

@@MetalFacedGamer 🐭 👈

[@user-ci8gj4ex5o]

Luke’s ego still out of control

[@MrVirtuezzz]

Man, editing translated interviews should be mandatory. This was a much better experience because of it

[@allaboutyourblahblah]

So true

[@good2go619]

I agree. This feels much more natural

[@djtheory313]

Shavkat will have plenty of time to sharpen up his English, especially after he’ll be recovering from getting TKO by WB.

[@kiabtoomlauj6249]

@@djtheory313 WB is the greatest Karate guy ever to be successful in elite MMA; but being a great grandpa in the MMA time line, he isn't beating peaking Shavkat. 5 years ago, no sweat; not today. Today, Shavkat is too big, too strong, too fast and too well rounded for the largely striking WB to deal with... even if his pure stand-up is probably only 95% as good as WB's.

[@djtheory313]

@@kiabtoomlauj6249 he’s not bigger than Wonderboy. They’re pretty close to the same size. I know he mentioned he’s going to stand with Wonderboy. They all say that and he’ll turn into a grappler fairly quickly Wonderboy is the goat in striking. As in speed, he’s nowhere near the speed of Wonderboy even now. The unfortunate thing for Shavkat is he got exposed and rocked by an out of shape, barely trained Geoff and on the other hand when Geoff fought WB, Geoff was in the best shape of his life, and put on the best performance, and still got out classed and dominated by WB. I have been following from his M1 days his head movement is really bad. He practically got KOd, dropped, and almost finished by a subpar retired MMA fighter. I’d be surprised if Shavkat makes it out of the 2nd round.

[@bobbob-cd9yl]

Luke probs had the hardest bonor he's had since he interviewed sandhaegan when he got this interview

[@MrManray23]

this is like when BC gets to interview a strawweight

[@kaisersozay99]

😂

[@theguvnor3880]

The CKBC interviews had Luke creaming his pants too. Now he's left them and jumped on the spanish bull, Topuria.

[@AXharoth]

AHAHAHA well someone had to make some kidna joke like that , its part of the lore xD

[@AXharoth]

ahaha word @@MrManray23

[@Ahmed.Hadjou]

We need to hear more and more from Shavkat, this guy can be a dominant future champ, thanks for bringing us this interview! 👍

[@MMAJolly]

First reasonably long interview I have seen of his, good work!

[@donnyrockett7490]

Will be*

[@bibekjung7404]

KAABER GOD ALMIGHTY--🙏 CREATOR of all SOULS 🙏😊 Who is complete God? Iyov 36:5 - Orthodox Jewish Bible (OJB) See, El is Kabir, and despiseth, not any; He is Kabir in ko’ach lev (strength of understanding). Translation: Supreme God is Kabir, but despises no one. He is Kabir, and firm in his purpose. In all Bible translations, the word Kabir has been translated as "Mighty" or "Great" whereas Kabir is the original name of Supreme God. Conclusion: This verse of the Bible proves that Kabir is Complete God. The one who worships God Kabir by taking initiation from the complete saint sent by him gets complete salvation. After attaining salvation that souls rest in peace in the eternal abode Satlok forever. The throne of God is in Satlok( ETERNAL PLACE) 😊😊 God Kabir met Jesus and took his soul to Satlok. On their way, God Kabir made him see his ancestors David, Moses, Abraham, etc. in the Pitra Lokas. Then God took him to Satlok❤

[@dagwood5041]

so glad this is edited so that we dont have to hear everything twice

[@thexbigxgreen]

Luke did a great job considering his pants were around his ankles the entire interview

[@jarabotelho5275]

😂

[@Simon-my8pv]

@@jarabotelho5275underrated comment 😂

[@ChumbynKnopa]

Was about to comment the exact same thing but it's neither here nor there

[@T2revell]

@@ChumbynKnopacandidly speaking, your right.

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@ChumbynKnopayour comment is egregious

[@kurts375]

I really like the way this was done. It keeps the interview to a normal length with the editing I generally don't watch interviews with non English speakers but you knocked it out of the park here.. congrats!

[@ChumbynKnopa]

I thought Shavkat was fluent in English with the first answer ngl.

[@kurts375]

@@ChumbynKnopa no the way they did the video shavkat jad a translator right next to him. But they edited the video with the translators voice over the video of shavkat talking. It made this interview so much better

[@ChumbynKnopa]

@@kurts375 Yup. I meant at first answer I THOUGHT he was fluent in English. I wasn't really staring at the video since I was doing stuff.

[@canalufcfight]

@@kurts375 Why don't you watch interviews with non-English speakers? Do you think your language is the best of all, or do you believe everyone should know your language? I find it funny that Americans only speak one language and communicate in English with everyone, without even caring if others will understand. Yet, they don't want to hear others speak in their native language.

[@Cardio_Los]

Luke was the one who got me on the Shavkat hype train. I remember 2 years ago he was preaching this man as a future dark horse and ever since I’ve been watching. He’s such a Chad

[@Oneman-fj5wp]

Bro you’re a chad as well

[@Cardio_Los]

@@Oneman-fj5wp thanks lol

[@box4aza]

Let's go Shavkat! Mark my words he will be the UFC Champ! 🇰🇿

[@user-rb5je8ml7g]

Әумин

[@dudesah2556]

One of the best MMA interviews I've ever seen. I wish it was longer. Your questions are unique, not the typical questions like "how do you feel right now, how do you feel about your opponent" etc. Your questions about his fight style and techniques were very good. I'd like to see you interview him again in the future.

[@nidmoses4600]

In my mind this is what a warrior would look like. Rides horses, extremely skilled humble and don't even ask for a title shot after finishing every opponent put infront of him. Can't wait for him to take that strap to the mountains.

[@enzobertolo6744]

*the steppes

[@julianboyd8719]

@@enzobertolo6744 Important distinction

[@jorel3581]

@@julianboyd8719 there are mountains too

[@redsnflr]

def got that Mongol blood in there

[@JohnSmith...]

@@redsnflr your mother mongol

[@Shrewdy1]

This is Luke's equivalent of BC interviewing Valentina. Neither have pants on

[@azamat_mma]

🇰🇿 Shavkat one of the best fighters in UFC. 100% finishes in 17 fights. He’s progressing in every fights in UFC. I think, 1-2 years and he still undefeated champion in WW and beat every champions WW and MW Шавкат батырымызға, бауырымызға сәттілік тілейміз. Алла қаласа, чемпиондықты Қазақстанға алып келетін адам

[@beautifulsydney]

Wonderboy is a hard fight let's see what happens

[@AlexjonesWasright-xn1uv]

​@@beautifulsydneyhe can't grapple

[@user-gl1lc3je1z]

@@beautifulsydneythere is no reason to doubt. 100% sure that it will be as regular for Shavqat

[@donnyrockett7490]

Shavkat will be a Champ sooner then that. No one beats him at 170 and I think he wins the belt at 185 as well

[@kimbopizzaslice]

@@donnyrockett7490Leon stands a chance, but other than that. shav finishes everyone in 5.

[@koreanname]

People don't realized how hard it is to go undefeated as a mainly stand-up fighter. Shavkat always brings it

[@kirbyken4297]

I hope that thanks to Shavkat, the UFC will open its doors to fighters from Kazakhstan. We have a lot of young and talented guys here who can compete with the whole world. I think that in a few years you will see for yourself

[@Al.S.]

Of all the mma journalists Luke was the first one to notice Shavkat's potential and talent. I hope Shavkat will learn English, sooner than better Well done LT

[@djtheory313]

Shavkat will have plenty of time to sharpen up his English, especially after he’ll be recovering from getting TKO by WB.

[@RickyJames-je6ju]

@@djtheory313This loser commented this 5 times. Take that L decmber 16th😂

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@djtheory313I hope not. Stephen Thompson is a rank squatter and he is old. Last thing we need is a good prospect getting bounced out.

[@djtheory313]

@@thatindiandude4602 WB is on the road to capture the WW belt. WB had a fight lined this past summer UFC 291 but Michel was completely unprofessional by missing weight bigtime. Shavkats young he’ll have plenty of time to bounce back. WB deserves one more crack at the belt.

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@djtheory313WB is 40 dude. The only one who has win a title fight at 35 in welterweight and below is Tyron Woodley.

[@jarabotelho5275]

I think this is one of the first interviews of Shavkat I’ve seen, well done 👏🏽

[@declanp1]

Man of few words. I love that he embraces the mystery that surrounds him.

[@altamashsameer9418]

Gave props to belal❤ Shavkhat is the real deal. I m ready for Shavkhat vs Colby next

[@edwardspan396]

“I think I can beat him standing” is such a wonderful thing to hear.

[@bca8119]

If you’re a wonder boy fan maybe, this fight is so much closer then people think

[@BishopDeeds]

Nice job getting Shavkat for an interview. Very interesting

[@dontaylucero]

Luke definitely doesn't have pants on for this

[@ExoticHooligan]

This dudes a monster can't wait for his next fight let's go!!

[@sandman62100]

Proud to be Kazakh! 🇰🇿 🇰🇿 🇰🇿 Mark my words: this man will go down as the greatest of all time. He is a once in a generation level of talent and I don't ever see him being beat. On top of that he is also VERY handsome and ripped!

[@Stiritup.]

😂greatest of all time ? He’s good but come on buddy and handsome are you gay ?

[@Sheriff1418]

Naw, he looked beatable against Magny. Next 1, 2 year we will get all answers

[@theguvnor3880]

Don't do drugs kids.

[@Sheriff1418]

@@user-iy3gb1sp2w You are having similar opinion to mine. He is definitely champion material, He looks better than Khamzat bcuz he hasnt fought someone of Usman's level yet. The fight against Thompson might answer a lot of questions.

[@finnneilson6229]

Guys he is a troll that comments on every MMA channel, don't fall for sandmans bait

[@dianacampbell6336]

The fighting as a kid happened in Kazakhstan and the neighboring countries everywhere in the 90s and early 2000s. My brothers used to fight all the time! oO

[@edcollins885]

Huge props to all involved here for getting the interview, making great use of it by asking intelligent questions, and then editing the responses so that the conversation flowed beautifully.

[@fredp1983]

For sure Shavkat is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC... I wonder how high his roof is... Im almost sure he will become champ... I dont see any weakness yet..

[@Mockracy]

Great fighter, great culture and country as well

[@francescolapietra930]

I was just listening and for a moment i thought Shavkat just learned perfect english out of the blue

[@Amidamaru10]

Refreshing to see someone be honest about who deserves the title shot atm (mentioning belal) instead of just calling everyone else bums & claiming to already be the goat. I see shavkat getting the title eventually

[@meicc398]

Indeed

[@999titu]

My favourite new fighter.

[@elmoferrel3942]

I really love this interview, big fan of Shavkat, it's very rare because Shavkat seemed so low profile, thanks for covering this, need more of his interview

[@-ItsBen]

Didn’t expect to see this interview.. thanks a lot Luke 👍

[@Cliff_Booth-wd3nm]

Insert randy marsh at computer meme - Luke rn

[@Deprofundis142]

Huge show of class and respect by mentioning Belal's title shot ahead of himself.

[@user-hw5it3rp1y]

Шавхат жолың болсын........ қолдаймыз...........Комбат рахмет............

[@waalex11]

No doubt BC is thinking Luke has a phoner in this interview.

[@convict240]

The first time I saw shavkat, I was like, “who is this random Asian dude competing in the 170 division? His Asian ass is going to get killed.” But then I found out about how he’s been finishing everybody and becoming the next boogeyman. I really hope that this Asian brother goes far.

[@Garbage315]

you somehow found a way to make translated interviews easier to get through. well done

[@nedkovfilipovic3919]

Great Interview Luke. I know you were happy as fuck interviewing Shavkat. You couldn’t even hide your smile. I know that is your guy. I hope he becomes a champion in the future. It’s will be great for the WW division.

[@princecornel4984]

Rare breed 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jgreen802]

Love the editing on this, for a split second I thought Shavkat was speaking english.

[@djtheory313]

Shavkat will have plenty of time to sharpen up his English, especially after he’ll be recovering from getting TKO by WB.

[@ashfaqaslam2227]

Shavkath is giving me aizen sosuke vibes ...

[@cyclonus01]

This dude is 100% a direct descendent of Genghis Khan.

[@julzzz3185]

Love the edits! Keeps the flow of the interview.

[@waltsciolli2682]

Precise, to the point, good straight-up questions for us to know a little more about this incredible fighter that is on his way to becoming the next big thing at welterweight IMHO, thank you Luke!

[@sbring00able]

I initially thought it might be a bit brief for an interview, but it's very compact and packed with questions - guessing the real-time interview was well over double the time. Great stuff.

[@allaboutyourblahblah]

This mf Shavkat hit the nastiest pose for the thumbnail 😂😂

[@Muhammed-Muhammed]

Why do you think so?

[@glenshort6567]

I really appreciate that you edited out the translations back and forth.

[@88chimes]

Excellent interview. Thanks for getting this !

[@windowlizard]

Love the way this was done, always quality coverage👊

[@speedyromuk]

Finally, excellent editing with the translator, not sure why others don’t do this when it’s recorded.

[@sloaiza81]

Favorite fighter in the UFC right now. Dude is mix of prime Nick Diaz, the axe murderer, and Fedor. Well rounded with viscous zombie like pressure.

[@devongiguere3721]

And Ubereem, man literally eats horsemeat

[@adrianluna999]

Excellent questions Luke. Great interview.

[@hussam5818]

Well done luke, edited nicely. Bilal deserves the title shot next,fairly said by shavkat

[@bendover7841]

Shavkat is not the type of guy to try and steal someone else's rightful shot. But he especially wouldn't do that to a Palestinian, especially right now.

[@himez123]

Solid questions from Luke. Subscribed!!

[@insanity4224]

Great interview. Cool to hear from Shavkat.

[@optimusbee214]

This was a good interview. Wide ranging questions to get him to loosen up.

[@jessematthews6448]

Awesome interview 🔥

[@NeoValeTudo]

his ground and pound is next level, this guy with grounded knees would be unreal

[@pdang8]

The editing is well done 👍

[@jeetu07_]

Awesome interview 🔥👍

[@simmytom7684]

Badass. Great interview OG!

[@jeremy5895]

As always... Appreciate you Luke and your thoughtful content. 🤝🙏

[@robertcassady6189]

Thanks MK for doing the edit that saves us having to hear everything we don't understand and is therefore, redundant to us

[@seeloknyasebaiknya3392]

Insya Allah And Still Undefeated ☝️👑 Shavkat Rakhmonov

[@OctopusWithNoFriends]

I'm asking for this as a big Donk and a long time vegetarian; PLEASE make a video of LT and big BC both preparing and sharing their respective horse meat dishes. With a retrospective rating of the experience, of course.

[@Skammee]

Also fermented mare's milk is available in Kazakhstan like cow's milk is in much of the west . More mutton is eaten than horsemeat . Salads are not a thing for Kazakh people .

[@thatindiandude4602]

​@@Skammeei am guessing the harsh winter requires more calories.

[@DonSimone1996]

Great interview

[@jacksdad734]

Great interview.

[@KingDuppy]

I was surprised af when he replied to Luke in english lmao idk why, just wasn't expecting it💀 Good work tho Luke, your interviews are honestly the only interviews I'll watch more than once cuz you ask such good questions, there's always sum to study🙏🏾💯 Luv u Luke💚

[@KingDuppy]

Nvm, I'm on my second watch and I see it now😂😂

[@Bopojooojuyggggtt]

​@@KingDuppysame I thought he was speaking English his lips looked like he was

[@ashfaqaslam2227]

I think someone is translating for him

[@uh.gremlin]

I got fooled too ahahah

[@aliskandardaniel5413]

Dimash Kudaibergen also a big name from Kazakhstan but he is a singer with 6 to 7 octave voice.

[@imti247]

Thanks for the Smart Editing. Non-English-Speaking fighter's interview seem long but it seemed good. Good work around.

[@AliNawaz-ly2nq]

Thanks Luke

[@Dudeyland]

I didnt even know I needed this in my life 💙 outstanding job as always!

[@mohitjanu6135]

Great edit of the tranlation

[@rayprop6536]

Bravo Luke Thomas that was a great interview

[@CraigDohner]

Holy Shit Luke! With the slam dunk interview! I'm convinced he's the next long-running champ

[@371shittyprismax5]

Luke has being on his A game since he was told he has a body for days. Great interview though. Shavkat's not easy to get.

[@borisgrishenk0]

Great work as is so often the case, Luke

[@buhlake3391]

Good stuff!

[@tylerleffingwell7493]

Damn Luke you’re killing it with these interviews

[@bernardocisneros4402]

A lot of good questions!

[@Tac0maAr0ma]

Killing it, Luke!

[@Nosfel25]

Great job, keep up the good work Luke ;)

[@shadowbloodninja]

Finally a shavkat interview future 2024 champ

[@aontaithe-]

Great interview LT

[@bencera6067]

Props! Many great fighters miss out because they don’t know English well, but also you ask smart questions esp compared to many mma media peeps. Props Lule.

[@smartorder4997]

Much appreciate that you cut off the translation, make us all the viewer has easier life. The first interview I have heard so far do extra for our viewer

[@samoliver9132]

I like the dubbing. Usually I zone out of translated interviews because they just drag on

[@daddyphatsax304]

Very nice! It's tough to get these guys to open up. Great job Lukita. lol

[@GlizziousMaximus]

Man I love shavkhats fight style and demeanor, this man fights to kill. A true modern day gladiator amongst modern fighters,

[@babycheesus666]

pretty cool questions about Kazakh culture

[@gsp3428]

Besides being great, he comes to fight. Some fighters come to just win a decision, he comes to actually fight and put on a show.

[@popeye5274]

I always look forward to Rakhmonov fighting.

[@KONAMAN100]

Real interesting. Very cool guy, Sanko's fav!

[@thecaribbeanhashira]

Great Interview Luke.

[@ahmedmohamednormursal9061]

Well done Luke. You save some time for me listening poring trasnlations.

[@heysmilebomb411]

great work LK! No idea MMA was bigger than boxing there with such a huge star like GGG. looking forward to the next interview

[@disselkz]

У нас в KZ 10 лет назад бокс был популярнее от ММА , а сейчас ММА становится популярнее как и во всем мире. Бокс сейчас стал слишком много комерческого интереса. Чтобы нашим боксерам и бойцам покорить вершину спорта придется доказат сначала в KZ а потом начишать с низу в Америке. И этот путь требует много работ и немало денег . У нас много Бойцов с нулевым рекордом поражения. И у них неполучается пробратся в UFC.

[@m1ur1ph11]

Luke hands down asks the most pertinent questions in these fighter interviews. No other MMA Journalist I can think of does it better than Luke.

[@BH-nq5xy]

Love Shavkot he’s what we thought Khamzat was but the interviewer asking ridiculous questions like do you get recognized in your country and tell me about horses 🤦‍♂️

[@MrAllen1994]

Khamzat has less fights in MMA than Shavkat. Also khamzat has faced 2 top 5 guys and have done really well. Skill wise i’ll give it to Shavkat but khamzat is still young and can really improve his game!

[@2tick_rick]

YES!!!!!!!!!!! He's learning English as promised!!!! FUTURE CHAMP!!!! Lets go!!!!!!

[@artistofworld-ee9ug]

Nah he didn't learn it, look at his lips and words, i guess its would be al