UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad believes his first challenger ought to should earn their shot.
Lower than a month faraway from his title victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304, the dialog in regards to the first protection for Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has begun to develop loud. That is partly resulting from Muhammad not too long ago telling MMA Junkie Radio he needs to “be their Alex Pereira and step up” to place his title on the road.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, the present No. 3 welterweight within the promotion’s rankings, has already referred to as the champ out for turning down a matchup in October, sparking a response from Muhammad.
“Inactive? Lol I’m nonetheless on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I feel Shavkat and Usman ought to combat to search out the true primary contender,” Muhammad wrote on X, together with a meme of Edwards.
Inactive? Lol I’m nonetheless on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I assume Shavkat and usman ought to combat to search out the true primary contender pic.twitter.com/7fKYMZsqbl
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 30, 2024
Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) has not competed since a submission victory over former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December.
Muhammad made it clear he wouldn’t be able to return in October, and within the meantime, he needs to see the undefeated contender face former champion Kamaru Usman. Nevertheless, in one other meme posted to X, Muhammad hinted that the UFC is barely all in favour of giving Rakhmonov his shot at gold.
Dana be like… pic.twitter.com/nGmmli01rw
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 31, 2024
Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is at present on a three-fight dropping streak. The previous champ dropped his title to Edwards, misplaced the rematch, after which got here up brief in a short-notice majority choice loss to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight.
Rakhmonov believes he has already carried out sufficient to earn a title shot and expects a aggressive combat towards Muhammad if the bout is booked subsequent.
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