Belal Muhammad, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion, is hesitant to commit to a No. 1 contender and suggests that Shavkat Rakhmonov should fight former champion Kamaru Usman to determine the top challenger.
Belal Muhammad has no problem playing matchmaker for the top welterweight contenders.
The recently crowned champion is already fielding potential challengers after capturing the belt with a lopsided decision win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 this past July. However, Muhammad won’t commit to a No. 1 contender, even with the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov hot on his heels.
Rakhmonov, 18-0 as a pro and 6-0 in the UFC, recently claimed to MMA Fighting that he was offered a fight with Muhammad for UFC 307 in October. The champion declined due to timing issues.
That’s news to Muhammad. He scoffed at suggestions that he needs to book a fight soon in a social media post.
He added that he’d like to see Rakhmonov fight former champion Kamaru Usman in a title eliminator bout first.
“Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023,” Muhammad tweeted. “I think Shavkat and Usman should fight to find the real number one contender.”
Muhammad had a long path to the title himself, having to win 10 straight bouts (excluding one no-contest) to book his shot against Edwards. He’s in no hurry to boost anyone else’s contender campaign.
Though Rakhmonov has done enough to rightfully challenge the champion, the possibility looms that Usman could be granted the opportunity instead.
Usman held the UFC welterweight title for over two years and successfully defended it five times. He has those previous accolades and name value on his side.
Hurting Usman’s case is the fact that he is coming off of three straight losses. He lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout after stepping in on short notice to face the undefeated fighter.
Additionally, he lost consecutive championship bouts to Edwards. Usman hasn’t recorded a victory since defeating Colby Covington at UFC 268 in November 2021.
Who should Belal Muhammad defend his title against next? Fans have their say.
In a recent poll, 82% of voters believe Shavkat Rakhmonov deserves the next shot. Meanwhile, 14% think the winner of Rakhmonov vs. Usman should be next.
A total of 1,413 votes were cast. The debate continues as fans eagerly await Muhammad’s next move.