Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad continue their heated exchange over a potential UFC welterweight title fight, with accusations of selective memory and inactivity, as they await a possible matchup later in 2024.
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad are at it again, exchanging heated words.
At UFC 304, Muhammad clinched the welterweight title after a dominant five-round performance against Leon Edwards. Following his victory, many speculated that Rakhmonov would be the first contender. Recently, Rakhmonov claimed he was indeed offered a title shot in October, which Muhammad declined. This led to Rakhmonov accusing Muhammad of not being the active champion he promised to be.
On Saturday, Muhammad responded. He suggested that the undefeated Kazakh should fight former champion Kamaru Usman for a No. 1 contender spot, given that Rakhmonov hasn’t fought in 2024. Of course, Rakhmonov wasn’t thrilled with this idea.
Sunday saw Rakhmonov firing back. He reminded Muhammad that “Remember the Name” himself had a 14-month layoff before earning his title shot.
Rakhmonov’s tweet read: “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?” It was a pointed reminder of Muhammad’s own journey to the championship.
Muhammad wasn’t going to let that slide. He quickly retorted, suggesting that Rakhmonov wasn’t even handling his own social media. “Selective memory? Who’s tweeting for you bro there’s no translation for that in Kazakh,” he quipped.
It seems inevitable these two will settle their differences in the octagon. Muhammad recently joked that the UFC is keen on this matchup next. However, with the 2024 schedule almost full, their clash might not happen this year.
The only available slots are UFC 309 on Nov. 16 in Madison Square Garden or UFC 310 on Dec. 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. UFC 309 is expected to feature Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic as the main event, leaving UFC 310 still searching for its headliner.
This ongoing feud promises fireworks when it finally culminates inside the cage!