Tag: belal muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: ‘He isn’t ready’

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in…

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'

Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December, unbeaten divisional challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov has now claimed the defending titleholder is not even “ready” to compete before the end of the year.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently improved to 18-0 as a professional — landing his eighteenth professional career win back in December of last year at UFC 296, submitting former title chaser, Stephen Thompson with a rear-naked choke submission win.

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For Muhammad, the Illinois native most recently scooped the undisputed welterweight title back in July at UFC 304, taking home a dominant unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards in the pair’s title rematch fight in Manchester, England.

And earlier this week, Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov staked his claim for a fight with Muhammad ahead of former gold holder, Kamaru Usman — warning the champion that he is on a fast route to the crown.

rakhmonov

“I don’t know what he (Kamaru Usman) is thinking about,” Shavkat Rakhmonov told Submission Radio during a recent interview. “It’s a shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. Like, in my head — I can’t get my head around it. But, it is what it is.”

All I can say to Belal (Muhammad), is to get ready,” Shavkat Rakhmonov explained. “There’s nowhere to run. This fight has to happen next. The cage door will close, and then we’ll see who’s the better man.”

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad fight unlikely for UFC 310

However, on social media, the former M-1 Global champion claimed a fight with Muhammad was now unlikely to take place before the end of the year — claiming the new titleholder is now unable to compete at UFC 310.

“After all the (sic) talk about being an active champion, truth is Belal (Muhammad) isn’t even ready to defend his title this year, ” Shavkat Rakhmonov posted on his official X account overnight.

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: ‘He isn’t ready’

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in…

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'

Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December, unbeaten divisional challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov has now claimed the defending titleholder is not even “ready” to compete before the end of the year.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently improved to 18-0 as a professional — landing his eighteenth professional career win back in December of last year at UFC 296, submitting former title chaser, Stephen Thompson with a rear-naked choke submission win.

shavkat 2

For Muhammad, the Illinois native most recently scooped the undisputed welterweight title back in July at UFC 304, taking home a dominant unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards in the pair’s title rematch fight in Manchester, England.

And earlier this week, Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov staked his claim for a fight with Muhammad ahead of former gold holder, Kamaru Usman — warning the champion that he is on a fast route to the crown.

rakhmonov

“I don’t know what he (Kamaru Usman) is thinking about,” Shavkat Rakhmonov told Submission Radio during a recent interview. “It’s a shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. Like, in my head — I can’t get my head around it. But, it is what it is.”

All I can say to Belal (Muhammad), is to get ready,” Shavkat Rakhmonov explained. “There’s nowhere to run. This fight has to happen next. The cage door will close, and then we’ll see who’s the better man.”

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad fight unlikely for UFC 310

However, on social media, the former M-1 Global champion claimed a fight with Muhammad was now unlikely to take place before the end of the year — claiming the new titleholder is now unable to compete at UFC 310.

“After all the (sic) talk about being an active champion, truth is Belal (Muhammad) isn’t even ready to defend his title this year, ” Shavkat Rakhmonov posted on his official X account overnight.

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: ‘He isn’t ready’

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in…

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad is unable to fight at UFC 310: 'He isn't ready'

Despite continually staking his claim for a title fight with welterweight gold holder, Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December, unbeaten divisional challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov has now claimed the defending titleholder is not even “ready” to compete before the end of the year.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently improved to 18-0 as a professional — landing his eighteenth professional career win back in December of last year at UFC 296, submitting former title chaser, Stephen Thompson with a rear-naked choke submission win.

shavkat 2

For Muhammad, the Illinois native most recently scooped the undisputed welterweight title back in July at UFC 304, taking home a dominant unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards in the pair’s title rematch fight in Manchester, England.

And earlier this week, Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov staked his claim for a fight with Muhammad ahead of former gold holder, Kamaru Usman — warning the champion that he is on a fast route to the crown.

rakhmonov

“I don’t know what he (Kamaru Usman) is thinking about,” Shavkat Rakhmonov told Submission Radio during a recent interview. “It’s a shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. Like, in my head — I can’t get my head around it. But, it is what it is.”

All I can say to Belal (Muhammad), is to get ready,” Shavkat Rakhmonov explained. “There’s nowhere to run. This fight has to happen next. The cage door will close, and then we’ll see who’s the better man.”

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad fight unlikely for UFC 310

However, on social media, the former M-1 Global champion claimed a fight with Muhammad was now unlikely to take place before the end of the year — claiming the new titleholder is now unable to compete at UFC 310.

“After all the (sic) talk about being an active champion, truth is Belal (Muhammad) isn’t even ready to defend his title this year, ” Shavkat Rakhmonov posted on his official X account overnight.

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman’s Title Shot Request After Three Losses is ‘Kind of a Shame’

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity….

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'

Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity.

With an 18-0 record and a 100% finish rate, it would be difficult to disagree. Since storming onto the UFC scene four years ago, ‘Nomad’ has laid waste to every man the promotion has put in front of him, including division mainstays Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

Shavkat

On the cusp of his first UFC title opportunity, Rakhmonov firmly believes there is nobody more deserving than himself. That includes ex-titleholderKamaru Usman who recently lobbied for a shot against newly minted welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

“UFC thinks that I’m the No.1 contender and I should be next,” Rakhmonov told Submission Radio. “Because there’s no [other] clear contender anyway. I got 100% finishes, all wins on the UFC. So I rightfully should be next. Everyone else [is] also very close but I think they need couple of wins to get this title shot. So I should be next… For me I’m actually ready any time.

“So before the end of the year or whenever UFC wants to organize this fight, whenever Belal is ready. This year, early next year, I don’t care. I’m ready to win this belt and bring it back to Kazakhstan” (h/t Sherdog).

Furthermore, ‘Nomad’ thinks Usman should be ashamed of himself for even mentioning a title fight following a trio of losses in his last three outings.

”I don’t know what he [Usman] is thinking about, I think it’s kind of a shame ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight, like in my head I cannot get my head around it,’”Rakhmonov added.

Shavkat Rakhmonov doubles Down on X

In case his comments weren’t clear enough, Rakhmonov took to social media to make his case once again.

Shavkat

”18-0 with 100% finishes or 0-3 in the last three fights,” Rakhmonov wrote on X. “I think there should be no question who fights next for the title”

Kamaru Usman’s decade-long unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt in August 2022 following Leon Edwards’ kick heard ’round the world at UFC 278. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ failed to reclaim the welterweight crown in an immediate rematch, suffering a unanimous decision loss against ‘Rocky’ seven months later.

The last time we saw Usman inside the Octagon was on October 2023 when he stepped in for a short-notice scrap with Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi. Usman lost the bout via majority decision.

Usman vs. Chimaev

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman’s Title Shot Request After Three Losses is ‘Kind of a Shame’

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity….

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'

Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity.

With an 18-0 record and a 100% finish rate, it would be difficult to disagree. Since storming onto the UFC scene four years ago, ‘Nomad’ has laid waste to every man the promotion has put in front of him, including division mainstays Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

Shavkat

On the cusp of his first UFC title opportunity, Rakhmonov firmly believes there is nobody more deserving than himself. That includes ex-titleholderKamaru Usman who recently lobbied for a shot against newly minted welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

“UFC thinks that I’m the No.1 contender and I should be next,” Rakhmonov told Submission Radio. “Because there’s no [other] clear contender anyway. I got 100% finishes, all wins on the UFC. So I rightfully should be next. Everyone else [is] also very close but I think they need couple of wins to get this title shot. So I should be next… For me I’m actually ready any time.

“So before the end of the year or whenever UFC wants to organize this fight, whenever Belal is ready. This year, early next year, I don’t care. I’m ready to win this belt and bring it back to Kazakhstan” (h/t Sherdog).

Furthermore, ‘Nomad’ thinks Usman should be ashamed of himself for even mentioning a title fight following a trio of losses in his last three outings.

”I don’t know what he [Usman] is thinking about, I think it’s kind of a shame ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight, like in my head I cannot get my head around it,’”Rakhmonov added.

Shavkat Rakhmonov doubles Down on X

In case his comments weren’t clear enough, Rakhmonov took to social media to make his case once again.

Shavkat

”18-0 with 100% finishes or 0-3 in the last three fights,” Rakhmonov wrote on X. “I think there should be no question who fights next for the title”

Kamaru Usman’s decade-long unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt in August 2022 following Leon Edwards’ kick heard ’round the world at UFC 278. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ failed to reclaim the welterweight crown in an immediate rematch, suffering a unanimous decision loss against ‘Rocky’ seven months later.

The last time we saw Usman inside the Octagon was on October 2023 when he stepped in for a short-notice scrap with Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi. Usman lost the bout via majority decision.

Usman vs. Chimaev

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman’s title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal MuhammadUnbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains hopeful of securing his own championship charge against the undisputed gold holder, Belal…

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Unbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains hopeful of securing his own championship charge against the undisputed gold holder, Belal Muhammad next — claiming former champion, Kamaru Usman really has no claim to a challenge amid his three-fight losing skid.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently featured at UFC 296 back in December of last year, becoming the first fighter to finish former title challenger, Stephen Thompson with a submission — landing a rear-naked choke success.

Shavkat Rakhmonov eyes title fight with win at UFC 296 Of course I'm ready
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Shavkat Rakhmonov issues warning to both Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad

The victory came as Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov’s eighteenth consecutively — all by way of finish, and off the back of Muhammad’s title coronation at UFC 304 earlier this summer, he wants to land himself a title challenge next, ahead of former pound-for-pound number one, Usman.

Shavkat Rakhmonov reveals 'Very serious injury' suffered ahead of Stephen Thompson fight, almost exited UFC 296
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

“I don’t know what he (Kamaru Usman) is thinking about,” Shavkat Rakhmonov told Submission Radio during a recent interview. “It’s a shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. Like, in my head — I can’t get my head around it. But, it is what it is.”

“All I can say to Belal (Muhammad), is to get ready,” Shavkat Rakhmonov explained. “There’s nowhere to run. This fight has to happen next. The cage door will close, and then we’ll see who’s the better man.”

Knocking the losing skid of former champion, Usman to boot alongside Rakhmonov, undisputed titleholder, Muhammad has discussed potentially fighting the Auchi veteran first and foremost — labelling a potential bout with the former champion as a legacy matchup for him.

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In the midst of a three-fight losing run, Nigerian veteran, Usman most recently co-headlined UFC 294 back in October of last year in Abu Dhabi, UAE — suffering a controversial majority decision defeat against the undefeated, Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight divisional debut on short-notice.