Sean Brady asserts he has earned the next opportunity to fight for the welterweight title after his dominant performance culminating in a submission victory over former champion Leon Edwards at UFC London. This win was decisive, marking the first time Edwards had been finished in his career and serving as a clear statement of Brady`s capabilities. As a result, Brady ascended to the No. 1 position in the official UFC rankings, with only the current champion, Belal Muhammad, ahead of him. This move placed previously undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at No. 2, despite him having been earlier designated the top contender following his win over Ian Machado Garry.
Rakhmonov, unfortunately, sustained an injury that forced him out of UFC 315, leading to Jack Della Maddalena stepping in for a potential title shot. Brady believes that regardless of past promises, his recent performance solidifies his claim as the rightful next challenger. “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.”
Highlighting his recent run, Brady pointed to victories over Edwards, former title challenger Gilbert Burns, and Kelvin Gastelum during his three-fight win streak. In comparison, Rakhmonov`s recent notable wins came against Garry, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Geoff Neal.
Brady argues his resume appears stronger on paper. However, he remains open to the possibility of facing Shavkat Rakhmonov if the UFC opts for that matchup to definitively determine the top contender in the welterweight division. “I’m not going to wait around for something that’s not guaranteed,” Brady explained. “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.”
He intends to stay ready, noting, “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.” Brady is slated to attend UFC 315, where Belal Muhammad will defend his title against Della Maddalena. His ideal scenario is to directly face the winner, moving straight into a championship bout. However, he is not intimidated by the prospect of fighting Rakhmonov if that is the path presented.
Brady has always analyzed potential vulnerabilities in top fighters, even those considered dominant like Rakhmonov. He referenced Rakhmonov`s recent bout with Garry as evidence that even undefeated fighters face challenges. “Listen, the same thing with Khamzat [Chimaev], the same thing with Jack Della [Maddalena] before he has a tough fight,” Brady commented. “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.”
He added, “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 priority is to remain active and avoid stagnation while waiting for a potential title shot. If the championship opportunity isn`t immediate, he is prepared to accept the next most significant challenge available. However, he will not make a final decision on his next fight until after observing the outcome of the UFC 315 title fight between Muhammad and Della Maddalena.
“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.” He concluded, “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.”
