The Shavkat Rakhmonov–Belal Muhammad rivalry is slowly heating up. Since winning the title belt, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has named Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman as potential contenders for his first title defense. However, it looks like the newly crowned champion is not ready to give a concrete date just yet and Rakhmonov is having none of it. Here is what happened:
Shavkat Rakhmonov recently did an interview with Submission Radio. There he called out Muhammad for a potential shot declaring himself as the undeniably eligible contender for the bout. However, the undefeated Kazakh recently sent out a tweet on X, trolling Belal Muhammad for claiming to be an active champion and not backing his words up.
After all the talk about being an active champion, truth is Belal isn’t even ready to defend his title this year.
Shavkat Rakhmonov on X
One of Belal Muhammad’s major messages was that champions should be active contenders and not stall title defenses for months on end. This was the same thing he was highly critical about when it came to former champion Leon Edwards.
After all the talk about being an active champion, truth is Belal isn’t even ready to defend his title this year https://t.co/tg7cy1sfxN
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) August 28, 2024
Rakhmonov pointed this out as he expressed his readiness to challenge Muhammad. He previously revealed that several top contenders in the division were unavailable or unwilling to face him, leaving him eager for a title shot against the new champion.
Shavkat Rakhmonov roasts Kamaru Usman for demanding title fight despite losing streak
Shavkat Rakhmonov recently criticized Kamaru Usman for requesting a title shot against Belal Muhammad. Usman is the #1 contender in the welterweight division and a former champion who held the welterweight title for over two years. However, Kamaru Usman has not won a fight since 2022.
Meanwhile, the Kazakh is undefeated with 18 wins, all by stoppage. He believes he is the rightful next contender for the UFC welterweight title. In his recent interview on Submission Radio, Rakhmonov expressed disbelief and questioned Usman’s request and his reasoning given his current losing streak.
I think it’s kind of shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. I cannot get my head around it.
Shavkat Rakhmonov on Submission Radio
Shavkat Rakhmonov reacts to Kamaru Usman positioning himself for a UFC title shot against Belal Muhammad 🏆
“I think it’s kind of shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. I cannot get my head around it.”
(via @SubmissionRadio) pic.twitter.com/I5MDZh99hd
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) August 27, 2024
Rakhmonov emphasized that his record makes him a more deserving candidate for the title shot compared to Usman, whose recent performances do not justify another opportunity. He is determined to face Belal Muhammad and believes there is no reason for Muhammad to avoid the matchup.
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