Sean Brady made a compelling argument he ought to get the following title shot at welterweight after he dominated after which submitted former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London.
He not solely gained in definitive trend however he additionally turned the primary individual to complete Edwards throughout his profession, which was the right exclamation level on a lopsided efficiency. Afterwards, Brady jumped as much as the No. 1 spot within the UFC rankings with solely champion Belal Muhammad forward of him, whereas the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov fell one spot behind him regardless of beforehand being declared because the No. 1 contender following a win over Ian Machado Garry.
Sadly for Rakhmonov, he suffered an damage that prevented him from competing at UFC 315 with Jack Della Maddalena getting the shot as a substitute. Brady believes it’s he who ought to truly be subsequent in line it doesn’t matter what was promised up to now.
“I’m the No. 1 contender,” Brady informed MMA Preventing. “There’s a 1 subsequent to my title so I’m the No. 1 contender. Shavkat’s No. 2, though they mentioned he’s getting the title shot subsequent however if you happen to have a look at who he’s overwhelmed as of late and who I’ve overwhelmed, it needs to be me.”
Throughout his three-fight win streak, Brady not solely took out Edwards, but in addition picked up wins over one-time title challenger Gilbert Burns and Kelvin Gastelum whereas Rakhmonov’s latest trio of victories got here towards Garry, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Geoff Neal.
On paper, Brady believes his résumé is extra spectacular, but when the UFC decides he ought to combat Rakhmonov to clear the air and decide a real No. 1 contender at welterweight, he’s open to that concept as nicely.
“I’m not going to attend round for one thing that’s not assured,” Brady mentioned. “So if the UFC desires to do me and Shavkat, I’m positive with that. I do know I’m the very best fighter on the earth, on this planet, so if I’ve to go beat Shavkat after which combat for the belt, I’m cool with that.
“However I’m going to the combat Might 10. If the UFC says to me, hey, you’re subsequent, then that’s what subsequent but when they’ve completely different plans, we’ll determine it out.”
On Might 10 at UFC 315, Muhammad places his welterweight title on the road towards Della Maddalena and Brady has already obtained an invite to look at that combat cageside. Ideally, Brady would get the winner so he can shift gears proper right into a UFC title combat, however he’s not afraid of the problem that Rakhmonov represents if that’s what comes subsequent.
As a lot as Rakhmonov appeared just like the scariest fighter on the complete UFC roster throughout his undefeated run up the ranks, Brady has at all times acknowledged flaws he might expose and watching Rakhmonov battle to get previous Garry this previous December proved it that rather more.
“Hear, the identical factor with Khamzat [Chimaev], the identical factor with Jack Della [Maddalena] earlier than he has a tricky combat,” Brady mentioned. “These guys all seem like the boogeyman however if you happen to return far sufficient of their information, you possibly can see them lose a combat. Everybody has holes. Everyone seems to be human. So finally you get uncovered identical to Khamzat did with Gilbert [Burns], like Shavkat did with Ian. You return far sufficient, you will discover stuff … [Shavkat beat] Wonderboy—wonderful fighter however he’s not the Wonderboy that was stuffing all of Tyron Woodley’s takedowns again within the day.
“I do know these guys within the health club. Everyone seems to be human. I used to be very impressed with Shavkat as much as that time however it’s nonetheless a man that I feel I’m very favorable to combat towards.”
Greater than something, Brady doesn’t need to stagnate ready for one thing to occur so he plans to remain lively. If it turns into clear a title shot isn’t going to occur, he’ll tackle the following greatest problem.
However Brady gained’t make any selections till after UFC 315 is over and he is aware of whether or not it’s Muhammad or Della Maddalena left standing as champion.
“That combat’s going to occur, I’m going to be there,” Brady mentioned. “We’re going to see how that performs out. I’m watching that combat after which we’re making a call after that. Nothing’s getting made earlier than that.
“It could be dumb of me and I’m certain the UFC is considering the identical factor, too. They need me there. They need me watching the combat and we’ll see how issues play out after which I’m certain we’ll determine it out after that.”
