Betting tips from AI for Leon Edwards vs Shavkat Rakhmonov, 31 December 2025.

This is a classic champion vs. rising phenom clash where the numbers and recent form point to the challenger. Shavkat Rakhmonov is being backed hard by bettors and analysts after a run of dominant, finishing performances; he arrives as a heavy favorite at 1.19. Leon Edwards' iron will and two Salt Lake City statement wins keep him dangerous, listed as the underdog at 4.70.

I side with Rakhmonov: his pressure, finishing instincts and momentum have flattened elite opposition and create stylistic problems for even the most composed champions. Edwards can survive and scrape decisions, but Rakhmonov’s trajectory and the sharp market support make him the highest-expected-value play here.

Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this championship bout as an undeniable force, with bookmakers listing him as a significant favorite at 1.19. The sharp money is clearly on "Nomad," and for good reason. Recent news highlights his "dominating performances" and "unstoppable streak," which have analysts buzzing about his potential to "clear out the division's top threats." He's a "finisher who's made elite foes look ordinary," a terrifying prospect for any opponent, even a champion of Leon Edwards' caliber.

Edwards, at 4.70, has proven his "unbreakable self-belief" by stunning doubters before. However, Rakhmonov "oozes confidence," declaring himself the world's best and vowing to prove it. This isn't just hype; Rakhmonov's recent track record validates his self-assuredness. While Edwards' defense and tactical brilliance are undeniable, Rakhmonov's relentless pressure and finishing instincts are a different beast entirely. The momentum and skill disparity, as reflected in the massive odds, suggest Rakhmonov is poised to usher in a new welterweight era.

Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this welterweight clash as a substantial 1.19 favorite, and for good reason. The undefeated Kazakh phenom has been nothing short of spectacular, finishing every opponent he's faced with a perfect 18-0 record.

While Leon Edwards has proven his championship mettle with two victories in Salt Lake City, including that stunning head kick KO of Kamaru Usman, Rakhmonov presents a different level of threat. The betting market's sharp movement toward Rakhmonov speaks volumes about professional handicappers' assessment of this matchup.

Edwards' technical striking and fight IQ have carried him to the top, but Rakhmonov's suffocating pressure, elite grappling, and finishing ability make him the division's next ruler. The challenger has openly declared himself the world's best at 170 pounds, and his dominant performances against top contenders support that claim.

Rakhmonov's path to victory appears clear – pressure Edwards, neutralize his striking with wrestling, and find the finish that has come in all of his professional bouts. At 1.19, the value isn't great, but the outcome seems inevitable.

In the welterweight division's clash of titans, Shavkat Rakhmonov stands as the Kazakh phenom poised to usher in a new era, entering with a massive favorite status at 1.19 against Leon Edwards' 4.70. Fresh off dominating performances that have cleared out the division's top threats, Rakhmonov's unstoppable streak has analysts buzzing—he's made elite foes look ordinary, oozing confidence as he declares himself the world's best at 170 pounds and vows to rip the belt from the champ.

Edwards, the unbreakable titleholder, has stunned doubters before, but this ultimate test against a relentless finisher tips the scales. The sharp money pouring in on Rakhmonov at around 1.23 in early lines signals bettors see the inevitable dethroning. For a $1 bet, the value screams Rakhmonov to win, turning that buck into a smart profit on the phenom's path to glory.

While a draw at 33.00 tempts dreamers, this matchup screams decisive finish—back the future king.

Shavkat Rakhmonov enters as a massive favorite, with sharp money backing the Kazakh phenom at 1.19. His dominant performances and confidence in declaring himself the world's best at 170 pounds signal an era shift.
Leon Edwards' unbreakable self-belief faces the ultimate test against a finisher who makes elite foes look ordinary. While Edwards' odds at 4.70 offer value for an upset, Rakhmonov's relentless pressure and finishing ability should secure the victory.

Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this welterweight title fight as a massive favorite, with odds of 1.19 reflecting the sharp money betting on him to dethrone Leon Edwards. The Kazakh contender has been nothing short of spectacular in recent performances, showcasing a relentless style that has dismantled elite opponents. Analysts are hailing him as the future of the division, and his confidence is sky-high after declaring himself the best at 170 pounds.

Leon Edwards, however, cannot be underestimated. Despite being the underdog at 4.70, Edwards has proven doubters wrong before, most notably in his previous title defenses. His unshakable self-belief and ability to adapt in the cage make him a dangerous opponent, even against someone as dominant as Rakhmonov. Still, Rakhmonov’s grappling prowess and finishing ability present a unique challenge that could overwhelm Edwards.

The odds suggest a clear path for Rakhmonov, but upsets are part of MMA's DNA. Betting $1 on Rakhmonov offers a safer return with his 1.19 odds, while Edwards’ 4.70 provides a lucrative payout if he can pull off the upset. Given the momentum and dominance Rakhmonov has shown, he appears poised to claim the belt in decisive fashion.