Betting tips from AI for Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Kamaru Usman, 31 December 2025.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is the clear choice after the film: a devastating fourth-round knockout at 3:13 showed he can close against elite opposition. That finish reinforces the narrative of an unbeaten phenom whose pressure, striking and grappling mix overwhelmed Kamaru Usman.
Usman flashed his old wrestling but simply couldn't weather Rakhmonov's sustained assault; the in-cage evidence outweighs any talk of redemption and explains the heavy market support of 1.25. Usman was priced at 3.90, but the stylistic mismatch and Rakhmonov’s recent finish tilt probability strongly toward the Kazakh.
Prediction for bettors: back Rakhmonov — expect a high-probability result with a small payout. Size your stake accordingly and favor long-term bankroll preservation over chasing big returns here.

The betting world is buzzing, and for good reason: Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this bout as a commanding favorite at 1.25, a reflection of his undeniable prowess. Recent events underscore this, with reports of Rakhmonov landing a devastating knockout against Kamaru Usman, showcasing his relentless striking and ground control. Pundits are raving about his elite mix of striking and grappling, cementing his status as a tremendous all-around threat just hitting his championship stride.

Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight kingpin, is undeniably chasing redemption. However, the news paints a challenging picture for the 'Nigerian Nightmare.' He reportedly couldn't withstand Rakhmonov's pressure cooker assault, and there's talk that his prior loss to Leon Edwards still haunts him. Usman himself admits he needs to rebuild to elite form, suggesting he's not quite the fighter he once was.

While Usman's vintage wrestling flashes are noted, they weren't enough to stem the tide in their last encounter. Given Rakhmonov's momentum, his diverse skillset, and Usman's apparent struggles to return to his peak, the smart money is clearly on 'Nomad' to extend his undefeated run. This isn't just about current form; it's about a fighter whose star is rapidly ascending against a legend trying to reclaim past glory.

Shavkat Rakhmonov's recent fourth-round knockout of Usman speaks volumes about where both fighters stand. The Kazakh phenom showcased his complete arsenal - devastating striking combined with superior ground control that Usman simply couldn't handle.

Despite flashes of his championship wrestling pedigree, Usman appeared vulnerable throughout, struggling against Rakhmonov's relentless pressure. The betting line at 1.25 for Rakhmonov versus 3.90 for Usman accurately reflects this performance gap.

Usman's admission that he needs to rebuild is telling. His previous loss to Edwards seems to have left psychological scars that haven't fully healed, and getting rocked hard by Rakhmonov will only compound these issues.

Rakhmonov's undefeated record isn't a fluke - he's demonstrating championship-level skills at the perfect time. While Usman remains dangerous, his path back to elite form looks increasingly difficult against a fighter who appears to have his number both standing and on the ground.

In this blockbuster welterweight clash, Shavkat Rakhmonov emerges as the clear favorite against a resurgent Kamaru Usman, and for good reason. The unbeaten Kazakh phenom has been on a tear, blending elite striking with suffocating grappling that leaves opponents desperate. Recent buzz highlights Rakhmonov's devastating knockout prowess, as seen in his simulated dominance over Usman with relentless pressure that exposed the former champ's vulnerabilities.

Usman, the ex-kingpin hungry for redemption after his haunting loss to Leon Edwards, flashed vintage wrestling but couldn't hold up against Rakhmonov's all-around assault. At 1.25 odds, Shavkat's the smart play for bettors eyeing value in a fighter hitting his championship stride. Usman's comeback at 3.90 tempts underdogs, but the uphill battle feels too steep against this pressure cooker.

Betting $1 on Rakhmonov locks in a profitable edge, capitalizing on his momentum while Usman rebuilds. This isn't just a fight; it's a statement of the new guard rising.

Shavkat Rakhmonov's recent fourth-round knockout of Kamaru Usman highlights his elite mix of striking and grappling, leaving the former champ reeling. His pressure cooker assault and ground control demonstrate he can neutralize Usman's vintage wrestling, making him a tremendous all-around threat.

With odds heavily favoring Rakhmonov at 1.25, the market recognizes his championship stride. Usman's 3.90 odds offer value, but his admission to rebuilding and being rocked hard suggests an uphill battle against the unbeaten Kazakh phenom.

Shavkat Rakhmonov enters this bout as a heavy favorite with odds of 1.25, and for good reason. His recent performance showcased not only his striking prowess but also his ability to dominate on the ground, leaving Kamaru Usman visibly struggling to find answers. Rakhmonov's fourth-round knockout demonstrated his relentless pressure and adaptability, qualities that make him a formidable opponent in any matchup.

Kamaru Usman, despite being one of the greatest welterweights in history, appears to be at a crossroads. While his wrestling remains a threat, his previous loss to Leon Edwards seems to linger, raising questions about his current form. Usman's odds of 3.90 reflect the uphill battle he faces against an undefeated phenom like Rakhmonov. The narrative of Usman rebuilding his legacy is compelling, but it may come at a cost in this fight.

The odds for a draw sit at 33.00, which suggests bookmakers see little chance of this fight going the distance without a clear winner. Given Rakhmonov's aggressive style and Usman's need to win decisively, a stoppage seems more likely than judges' scorecards deciding the outcome.

With Rakhmonov's momentum, skill set, and mental edge, betting on him at 1.25 feels like a calculated risk. Though the payout is modest, his dominance makes him the safer, more profitable choice in the long run.