Sean Brady has presented a strong case for receiving the next welterweight title opportunity following his commanding performance and submission victory over former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London. Not only did he secure a definitive win, but he also became the first fighter to finish Edwards in his career, providing a decisive conclusion to a one-sided contest.
This impressive victory propelled Brady to the number one position in the official UFC rankings, placing him directly behind champion Belal Muhammad. This move saw the previously top-ranked undefeated fighter, Shavkat Rakhmonov, drop to the number two spot, despite having been declared the potential next contender after his win over Ian Machado Garry.
Rakhmonov`s plans were disrupted by an injury, which forced him out of UFC 315 and allowed Jack Della Maddalena to step in for the title shot instead. Brady believes that regardless of any prior arrangements, his recent performance and ranking status mean he is the one who should now be next in line for the championship.
“I am the No. 1 contender,” Brady stated. “There`s a 1 next to my name so I am the No. 1 contender. Shavkat’s No. 2, even though they said he’s getting the title shot next but if you look at who he’s beaten as of late and who I’ve beaten, it should be me.”
During his current three-fight winning streak, Brady`s victims include Edwards, former title challenger Gilbert Burns, and Kelvin Gastelum. In contrast, Rakhmonov`s recent trio of wins came against Ian Machado Garry, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Geoff Neal.
Brady feels his list of recent opponents is more impressive on paper. However, he remains receptive to the idea of fighting Rakhmonov if the UFC determines it`s necessary to definitively settle who the true top contender is in the welterweight division.
“I’m not going to wait around for something that’s not guaranteed,” Brady commented. “So if the UFC wants to do me and Shavkat, I’m fine with that. I know I’m the best fighter in the world, on this planet, so if I have to go beat Shavkat and then fight for the belt, I’m cool with that.”
“But I’m going to the fight May 10. If the UFC says to me, hey, you’re next, then that’s what next but if they have different plans, we’ll figure it out.”
Belal Muhammad is set to defend his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on May 10th, a fight Brady is invited to observe from cageside. Ideally, Brady hopes to face the winner directly for the title, transitioning immediately into a championship bout. However, he expressed no fear of the challenge that Rakhmonov presents should that turn out to be his next fight.
Despite Rakhmonov`s reputation as a formidable, even “scary,” fighter during his undefeated climb, Brady maintains that he has always perceived potential vulnerabilities. He believes watching Rakhmonov`s competitive fight against Ian Machado Garry last December further supported this view.
“Listen, the same thing with Khamzat [Chimaev], the same thing with Jack Della [Maddalena] before he has a tough fight,” Brady explained. “These guys all look like the boogeyman but if you go back far enough in their records, you can see them lose a fight. Everyone has holes. Everyone is human. So eventually you get exposed just like Khamzat did with Gilbert [Burns], like Shavkat did with Ian. You go back far enough, you can find stuff … [Shavkat beat] Wonderboy—amazing fighter but he’s not the Wonderboy that was stuffing all of Tyron Woodley’s takedowns back in the day.”
“I know these guys in the gym. Everyone is human. I was very impressed with Shavkat up to that point but it’s still a guy that I think I’m very favorable to fight against.”
Brady`s primary focus is on staying active and avoiding prolonged waits for potential opportunities. If a title shot isn`t immediately on the horizon, he plans to pursue the next most significant challenge available to him.
Crucially, Brady stated he will not make any final decisions regarding his next fight until after UFC 315 concludes and the outcome of the Muhammad vs. Della Maddalena title fight is known.
“That fight’s going to happen, I’m going to be there,” Brady confirmed. “We’re going to see how that plays out. I’m watching that fight and then we’re making a decision after that. Nothing’s getting made before that.”
“It would be dumb of me and I’m sure the UFC is thinking the same thing, too. They want me there. They want me watching the fight and we’ll see how things play out and then I’m sure we’ll figure it out after that.”
