The UFC welterweight division recently saw the rise of a new champion after Belal Muhammad beat Leon Edwards. Against all odds, Muhammad made it look easy and dominated the former champion to take his throne. However, top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov isn’t happy about the champion and remains eager to make some changes.
Since Muhammad’s victory over Edwards, Rakhmonov has frequently asked for a title shot. Rakhmonov recently accused Muhammad of rejecting a title defense at UFC 307. The reigning champion, on the other hand, suggested a title eliminator between Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman. In a recent tweet, the Kazakh showed his frustration by calling Muhammad a ‘decision machine.’
A decision machine with zero knockdowns — our division deserves a better champion…
Shavkat Rakhmonov via X
Rakhmonov has an 18-0 record and is unbeaten in his professional career. Furthermore, the Kazakh fighter boasts an incredible 100% finishing record, with six victories occurring in the UFC. Shavkat Rakhmonov has pledged to his supporters that he will end Muhammad’s reign as champion. As such, he aims to become his nation’s first champion.
A decision machine with zero knockdowns — our division deserves a better champion… 🤦🏻♂️
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) September 5, 2024
On the flip side, ‘Remember The Name’ has already promised to systematically break Rakhmonov in a potential title fight. Muhammad’s confidence is currently at an all-time high after his last victory. For the Palestinian-American fighter, winning the belt is much more significant than just a personal achievement. As such, he will work hard to defend the title.
Belal Muhammad talks about being the first-ever Palestinian UFC champion
Belal Muhammad has always been vocal about his support towards the Palestinian people who are currently at war with Israel. Muhammad’s biggest goal was to make history by becoming the champion with the Palestinian flag wrapped around him. At UFC 304, he achieved everything he promised and got a grand welcome from his fans, who shut down Manchester to celebrate Muhammad’s victory.
Belal Muhammad (via X)Going into the enemy territory, nobody expected Muhammad to put on such a performance. He outclassed Leon Edwards and proved why he deserved the spot. Muhammad talked about his experience of becoming the first-ever Palestinian champion and the importance of his win.
To be able to carry my flag with the title. To show people what’s possible. For Palestine. For them to have a champion right now, for them to have a win, from that fight, that meant more than anything.
Belal Muhammad via JRE MMA Show #162
“For them to have a champion right now, for them to have a win, from that fight, that meant more than anything.” @bullyb170 🤲🇵🇸
UFC World Champion Belal Muhammad details how much the belt meant for him and the people of Palestine, and also reveals that he got DMs from people in… pic.twitter.com/w7tlOKwDvs
— Omer Osman (@OmerOsman200) September 3, 2024
Muhammad has pledged to supporters that he will fight as often as possible and be an active champion. Nonetheless, agreeing to a fight for UFC 307 with only a three-month gap might have been a mistake. His previous battle lasted five rounds, and he bled in that fight. As such, healing and training again would have proved difficult. Nevertheless, Muhammad is likely to return by the end of the year.
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