Belal Muhammad suggests Shavkat Rakhmonov battle Kamaru Usman to earn title shot

Belal Muhammad has no drawback enjoying matchmaker for the highest welterweight contenders.

The not too long ago topped champion is already fielding potential challengers after capturing the belt with a lopsided choice win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 this previous July. Nonetheless, Muhammad gained’t decide to a No. 1 contender, even with the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov scorching on his heels.

Rakhmonov, 18-0 as a professional and 6-0 within the UFC, not too long ago made the declare to MMA Combating that he was provided a battle with Muhammad for UFC 307 in October that the champion declined as a result of timing not understanding.

That’s information to Muhammad, who scoffed at strategies that he must ebook a battle quickly in a social media put up. He added that he wish to see Rakhmonov battle former champion Kamaru Usman in a title eliminator bout first.

“Inactive?” Muhammad wrote. “LOL. I’m nonetheless on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023. I believe Shavkat and Usman ought to battle to seek out the true primary contender.”

Muhammad had a protracted path to the title himself, having to win 10 straight bouts (excluding one no-contest) to ebook his shot in opposition to Edwards, and he’s in no hurry to spice up anybody else’s contender marketing campaign.

Although Rakhmonov has carried out sufficient to rightfully problem the champion, the chance looms that Usman may very well be granted the chance as a substitute. Usman held the UFC welterweight title for over two years and efficiently defended it 5 occasions, so he has these earlier accolades and identify worth on his aspect.

Hurting Usman’s case is the truth that he’s coming off of three straight losses. He misplaced a majority choice to Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout after stepping in on quick discover to face the undefeated fighter, and in addition misplaced consecutive championship bouts to Edwards. Usman hasn’t recorded a victory since defeating Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November 2021.