UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is eager to rebook his highly anticipated clash with Shavkat Rakhmonov, despite recent setbacks. Discover why Muhammad believes Rakhmonov deserves a title shot and how he plans to build his legacy!
Belal Muhammad’s Pursuit of Shavkat Rakhmonov
Belal Muhammad remains laser-focused on Shavkat Rakhmonov as he gears up for his title defense at UFC 315. Initially set to face Rakhmonov for the welterweight championship at UFC 310, Muhammad was forced to withdraw due to a serious bone infection. While Rakhmonov went on to dominate Ian Machado Garry in a high-stakes matchup, proving himself as the No. 1 contender, Muhammad is eager to rebook their highly anticipated clash. With a professional record of 24 wins and just 3 losses, Muhammad is not just looking to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena on May 10, but is also keen to solidify his legacy by taking on the top fighters in the division, including Rakhmonov, who boasts an impressive unbeaten record of 19-0.
In an interview with MMA Junkie, Muhammad expressed his respect for Rakhmonov, stating, “He deserves it. He earned it with the fight against Ian Garry.” The welterweight champion acknowledges the physical toll that training takes on fighters, pointing to the recent injuries suffered by Dan Hooker and Arman Tsarukyan as a reminder of the sport’s brutal nature. Muhammad is not just defending his title; he is on a mission to take down the next generation of fighters, aiming to hand Rakhmonov his first loss when the opportunity arises. He stated, “In building my legacy, I want to take these guys’ undefeated records,” showcasing his ambition to face and conquer the rising stars of MMA.
Belal Muhammad’s confidence is bolstered by his remarkable streak of 11 fights without a loss, which includes victories over elite fighters such as Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and even Leon Edwards. This impressive resume has established him as a formidable champion in the UFC welterweight division. However, the looming specter of Shavkat Rakhmonov, with his perfect professional record, adds an intriguing layer to Muhammad’s title reign. The champion’s commitment to challenging the best in the sport is evident in his plans to eventually face Rakhmonov, as he believes that true greatness is defined by the quality of opponents faced and the legacies built in the octagon.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits the rebooking of this high-stakes matchup, fans can expect intense action and high-level skill from both fighters. Muhammad’s desire to defend his title against Rakhmonov reflects not just a champion’s spirit, but also a determination to remain at the forefront of the welterweight division. With both fighters on the rise, their eventual showdown promises to be a defining moment in the careers of both athletes, and a must-watch event for MMA fans around the globe.
Belal Muhammad expresses his intent to rebook a fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov, highlighting his respect for Rakhmonov’s skills and achievements. Muhammad, the UFC welterweight champion, had to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Rakhmonov at UFC 310 due to a bone infection, allowing Rakhmonov to secure a victory against Ian Machado Garry, which solidified his position as the top contender. Although Muhammad will face Jack Della Maddalena for his title defense at UFC 315, he remains focused on Rakhmonov as a future opponent, emphasizing the importance of challenging undefeated fighters to build his legacy. Muhammad’s impressive record includes an ongoing streak of 11 fights without a loss, showcasing victories over notable opponents.
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