The highly anticipated welterweight title fight between Shavkat Rakhmonov and newly crowned champion Belal Muhammad is off. After accepting the fight against the top contender, Muhammad had to withdraw due to a bone infection. With only five weeks until UFC 310, Dana White now faces the task of finding a replacement. Fortunately, the UFC CEO has several potential options available.
Before the cancellation, the main event bout between Muhammad and Rakhmonov had an intriguing storyline. An undefeated fighter going against one of the most consistent fighters on the roster, it was a great fight to end UFC’s 2024 campaign. However, with Muhammad out, other top welterweights are ready to jump in and save the card.
Rising welterweight Ian Garry made sure to ask for the opportunity to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov. The Irish fighter mentioned that at UFC 310, he is willing to put his undefeated record on the line against the ‘Nomad.’ However, #9 ranked welterweight Joaquin Buckley doesn’t think fans would like to see Rakhmonov vs. Garry. The American fighter pushed his name and talked about his finishing record.
Ian Garry via. Instagram:
“Undefeated v Undefeated. Anytime. Anywhere.” 👀👀#UFC #MMA #UFC310 pic.twitter.com/QMdNX7TvjC
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 31, 2024
Joaquin Buckley puts his name in the mix to fight Shavkat at #UFC310 👀
“Nobody wants to see [Ian Garry vs Shavkat]. People want to see knockouts…
Me vs Shavkat… UFC this is the fight that y’all gotta make.”
🎥 @Newmansa94 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/SvXVLqecPo
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 31, 2024
Kamaru Usman via. X 👀👀👀#UFC310 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/GGhqrnMGMv
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 31, 2024
According to Buckley, he and Rakhmonov can put on an incredible fight if given an opportunity. In addition to this, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has also shown interest in the fight. Usman posted a sneaky message on social media to confirm his intentions. Going forward, it will be a tough choice for Dana White to confirm the replacement.
When Khabib Nurmagomedov wanted Kamaru Usman vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov
Kamaru Usman dominated the UFC welterweight division for a long time before losing to Leon Edwards twice in a row. Since then, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ has fought only once, in which he lost to Khamzat Chimaev on short notice. However, he has talked about his intentions to come back and regain his lost glory.
In the last few months, Kamaru Usman and Shavkat Rakhmonov have shared some back-and-forth on the internet. Usman still believes he was the boogeyman of the division and was willing to fight both Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad. Earlier this year, UFC veteran Khabib Nurmagomedov took on the matchmaking role and mentioned this potential fight.
You know, one of the things that makes you a great fighter is when you’re 36-37 and you have 15-fight win streak. Like in the [old] days, you defend your title many times, you’re one of the best of all time. And then you give an opportunity to young guys to shine, it makes you great. Can you imagine, if [Kamaru Usman] fights Shavkat and he beats him? Shavkat is a beast.
Khabib Nurmagomedov via Fight Inc Inside the UFC
Fight promoter Khabib just made the fight (with Dana White) Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Kamaru Usman in Abu Dhabi for the No. 1 contender at 170. #UFC pic.twitter.com/MdHGJHz6Qd
— Thanks to all who support (@HARDWORKx2) June 8, 2024
Rakhmonov holds the record for finishing all his opponents, and Usman is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC. While the winning momentum of the Kazakh could be the deciding factor, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ will not give up that easily. Among all the three options for replacement, many fans are inclined towards this fight the most.
