When Shavkat Rakhmonov made his UFC debut in October 2020, he stepped into the octagon shrouded in mystery. That was at least, in part, because of his appearance and the fact that few fans knew where he came from.

While Rakhmonov was born October 23, 1994, in Sho’rchi, Uzbekistan, his ethnical background is Kazakh. Both of his parents are from Kazakhstan, a central Asian country that shares an eastern border with China and a southern border with Uzbekistan.

Shavkat Rakhmonov’s traditional headwear

UFC fans are accustomed to seeing Rakhmonov wear a headpiece during ceremonial weigh-ins and when he walks out to the cage. The headpiece, known as a malahai, is one way Rakhmonov honors his Kazakh background.

A malahai is a historical headgear originating in Kazakhstan and made from wolf fur. In Kazakh folklore, the wolf represents bravery and a warrior spirit. A malahai is worn by men to protect themselves from the winter elements and in ancient battles was worn to protect a combatant’s head from bladed weapons.

Shavkat Rakhmonov in the UFC

Rakhmonov, who made his professional MMA debut in 2014, is still undefeated more than a decade into his career at 18-0. That includes six UFC fights in the welterweight division, with wins over notables Neil Magny, Geoff Neal and Stephen Thompson.

Rakhmonov meets fellow undefeated contender Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 310 co-main event scheduled for five rounds.

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