The back and forth between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov just doesn’t stop. Belal Muhammad proved everybody wrong with his title victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304. Now he plans to do the same with the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov. Here is what happened:
In his recent interview with Submission Radio, Belal Muhammad made a bold prediction about a potential fight against Rakhmonov. Muhammad predicted that the matchup would end no less different than his dominant performance against Edwards. This was in response to Rakhmonov calling him out for being an inactive champion.
I know how to make them uncomfortable. And once I make them uncomfortable, I know how to break them. So I think that’s where it’s going to go with Shavkat. I want to make him uncomfortable.
Belal Muhammad on Submission Radio
Muhammad also pointed out that he sees specific weaknesses in Rakhmonov’s game that he plans to exploit, predicting that the fight will end with a finish in his favor. The welterweight champion stated that he would outclass Rakhmonov in every aspect.
He emphasized his versatility as a fighter, claiming that he could adapt to any fighting style, whether it involves striking, wrestling, or moving strategically in the octagon. Muhammad’s confidence stems from his past couple of fights where he has maintained an undefeated winning streak. Now, he is looking forward to his first title defense, and while Rakhmonov is a top contender, Muhammad seems unfazed by the challenge.
Shavkat Rakhmonov calls out Belal Muhammad’s ‘delusional’ prediction
Shavkat Rakhmonov recently called out Belal Muhammad for what he perceives as a delusional attitude regarding their potential fight. This came after Muhammad predicted he would finish Rakhmonov in a fight. Rakhmonov has an undefeated record and a 100% finish rate in his fights.
Shavkat Rakhmonov calls out Belal Muhammad (Image via Imago)Rakhmonov sent out a tweet criticizing Muhammad’s statement on X. He pointed out that Muhammad has only finished 3 of his 18 UFC opponents. Rakhmonov suggested that Muhammad’s lack of finishes makes his claim to be able to stop him unrealistic.
18 fighters before you tried, and I finished them all. Meanwhile, in 18 UFC fights, you’ve only finished 3 opponents. The UFC belt doesn’t give you superpowers, brother, it just seems to have made you delusional. https://t.co/Z4v7jeFw6c
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) September 3, 2024
The exchanges only build the tension between the two fighters as they eye a potential matchup in the welterweight division. Muhammad had previously considered former champion Kamaru Usman as a probable contender for his first title defense. He had also suggested that Rakhmonov should face Kamaru Usman to determine the real number one contender before challenging for the title. Thus, it will be interesting to see who the Palestinian champion takes on next.
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