The Heated Rivalry Continues

Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad are in the midst of a fiery exchange. Muhammad claimed the UFC welterweight title at UFC 304 by dominating Leon Edwards over five rounds. Rakhmonov, who many believed would be the next contender, recently revealed that he was offered a title shot in October, but Muhammad turned it down. Rakhmonov has been vocal about his disappointment, accusing Muhammad of not fulfilling his promise to be an active champion.

Muhammad Responds and Sets New Challenges

On Saturday, Muhammad shot back at Rakhmonov, highlighting that the Kazakh fighter hasn’t competed in 2024. He suggested that Rakhmonov should fight former champion Kamaru Usman in a No. 1 contender matchup before thinking about a title shot. Muhammad’s point of contention revolves around Rakhmonov’s inactivity: “Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023. I think Shavkat and Usman should fight to find the real No. 1 contender,” Muhammad stated on social media ?.

Muhammad has been vocal about his desire to defend the belt on his own terms. According to him, Rakhmonov was offered a spot on UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, which he accepted, but Muhammad wasn’t ready to commit due to the timeline of the proposed fight. He instead expressed his interest in defending the title at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi later in October ?.

Rakhmonov Fires Back

Rakhmonov, known for his calm but fierce demeanor, didn’t take Muhammad’s comments lightly. He quickly reminded the champion of his own layoff before his title shot. “Do you have a case of selective memory, or did you just forget that you didn’t fight for 14 months before challenging for the belt?” Rakhmonov said, underscoring what he sees as hypocrisy in Muhammad’s arguments.

Rakhmonov has been making a name for himself with an undefeated record of 18-0, all of which have been won via stoppage. He most recently fought Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023, securing a submission victory. Rakhmonov has made it clear that he believes he’s the most deserving of the next title shot, dismissing the idea that he needs another fight to prove himself.

Do you have a case of selective memory, or did you just forget that you didn’t fight for 14 months before challenging for the belt? 🤫 https://t.co/BKLdRzZvhy

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) September 1, 2024

Possible Fight Dates and UFC’s Busy Schedule

With UFC’s 2024 schedule nearly filled, the only viable options for a Rakhmonov vs. Muhammad clash this year appear to be UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York or UFC 310 on December 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, UFC 309 is rumored to be headlined by the highly anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, while UFC 310 still lacks a confirmed main event, making it a possible date for this welterweight showdown.

What’s Next for Rakhmonov and Muhammad?

As both fighters continue their verbal sparring, it’s becoming clear that the UFC fans are eager to see this matchup materialize. Muhammad has repeatedly mentioned that the UFC seems most interested in booking him against Rakhmonov, and even though no official date is set, the anticipation is building.

While the timing might not work out perfectly, it’s likely only a matter of time before these two settle their differences inside the octagon. Both fighters have a lot to prove—not just to each other but to the entire welterweight division. The only question that remains is: when will it happen, and who will come out on top?

Source: MMAnytt.se

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