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 received in definitive trend however he additionally turned the primary particular person 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 an alternative. Brady believes it’s he who ought to truly be subsequent in line it doesn’t matter what was promised previously.
“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, although they mentioned he’s getting the title shot subsequent however when you take 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 in opposition to Garry, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Geoff Neal.
On paper, Brady believes his résumé is extra spectacular, but when the UFC decides he ought to battle Rakhmonov to clear the air and decide a real No. 1 contender at welterweight, he’s open to that concept as effectively.
“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 fantastic with that. I do know I’m the very best fighter on this planet, on this planet, so if I’ve to go beat Shavkat after which battle for the belt, I’m cool with that.
“However I’m going to the battle Might 10. If the UFC says to me, hey, you’re subsequent, then that’s what subsequent but when they’ve totally different plans, we’ll determine it out.”
On Might 10 at UFC 315, Muhammad places his welterweight title on the road in opposition to Della Maddalena and Brady has already acquired an invite to observe that battle cageside. Ideally, Brady would get the winner so he can shift gears proper right into a UFC title battle, however he’s not terrified of the problem that Rakhmonov represents if that’s what comes subsequent.
As a lot as Rakhmonov regarded just like the scariest fighter on your 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 troublesome battle,” Brady mentioned. “These guys all appear like the boogeyman however when you return far sufficient of their data, you’ll be able to see them lose a battle. Everybody has holes. Everyone seems to be human. So ultimately you get uncovered identical to Khamzat did with Gilbert [Burns], like Shavkat did with Ian. You return far sufficient, you’ll find stuff … [Shavkat beat] Wonderboy—superb 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 fitness center. Everyone seems to be human. I used to be very impressed with Shavkat as much as that time nevertheless it’s nonetheless a man that I believe I’m very favorable to battle in opposition to.”
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 received’t make any choices 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 battle’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 battle after which we’re making a choice after that. Nothing’s getting made earlier than that.
“It might be dumb of me and I’m certain the UFC is pondering the identical factor, too. They need me there. They need me watching the battle and we’ll see how issues play out after which I’m certain we’ll determine it out after that.”
