Shavkat Rakhmonov is assured he’ll be new UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s subsequent opponent — primarily as a result of the promotion already provided him the chance.
“Yeah, truly, I’ve already been provided a battle to battle Belal and I accepted the battle towards Belal,” Rakhmonov informed MMA Preventing. “However sadly, he declined to battle me as a result of timing points. He wasn’t able to defend his belt on that point. So we’ll see what’s going to occur and when he’s going to be prepared so I can battle him.
“Earlier than he grew to become a champion, and after he gained the belt, he stated he’s going to be an lively champion and he’ll defend his belt extra typically, however for the time being he wasn’t backing up what he stated, you recognize, so let’s see what’s going to occur, when he’s going to be able to battle me.”
Muhammad captured the 170-pound title with a unanimous choice win over Leon Edwards in the primary occasion of UFC 304 in Manchester in July. Following the win, it appeared like Rakhmonov—at the moment No. 3 at welterweight within the MMA Preventing World Rankings—could be subsequent, however former champion Kamaru Usman has gotten the eye of Muhammad as nicely.
When requested when the proposed championship battle with Muhammad would have taken place, Rakhmonov stated it will have been comparatively shortly.
“It was in October,” Rakhmonov stated. “The Salt Lake [City] card, [UFC 307].”
Rakhmonov is 18-0 as a professional, with all finishes, together with a 6-0 begin contained in the octagon. In his most up-to-date outing, “Nomad” submitted multi-time title challenger Stephen Thompson within the second spherical at UFC 292 this previous December.
Since then, Rakhmonov has been therapeutic up and preparing for his championship alternative. When requested when he believes the battle will occur, the 29-year-old is able to be booked as quickly as attainable, or, if timing delays it till 2025, Rakhmonov is comfortable to attend.
“I don’t know what’s happening with Belal and he’s going be prepared for the time being,” Rakhmonov defined. “If they are saying December, January, I’m going to be prepared. If they are saying April, Could, it doesn’t matter. I already need to battle for the belt. I already secured the spot and I’ll simply be certain I’m going to be prepared for the battle. So, at any time when he’s prepared, I’m in.”
