Despite ‘active champion’ claims, Belal Muhammad REJECTED title defense at UFC 307, says Shavkat Rakhmonov

Top welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov reveals how champion Belal Muhammad rejected title fight in October.

Despite ‘active champion’ claims, Belal Muhammad REJECTED title defense at UFC 307, says Shavkat Rakhmonov

Shavkat Rakhmonov on Belal Muhammad turning down title fight (Image via Imago)

Leon Edwards made Belal Muhammad wait way too long before they finally fought at UFC 304. Similarly, while Belal Muhammad pledged to be an active champion, top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov is here to tell a different story. Here is what happened:

Shavkat Rakhmonov recently sat down for a conversation with MMA Fighting. During the interview, the undefeated Kazakh revealed that he was offered a fight against Belal Muhammad for UFC 307 in Salt Lake City. Rakhmonov supposedly accepted the fight scheduled for October while Muhammad declined.

But unfortunately, he declined to fight me due to the timing issues. He wasn’t ready to defend his belt on that time. So we’ll see what’s going to happen and when he’s going to be ready so I will be able to fight him.
Shavkat Rakhmonov on MMA Fighting

Rakhmonov expressed his frustration. He pointed out that Muhammad had previously stated he would be an active champion. However, when it was time to actually show up, his actions suggested otherwise. However, ‘Nomad’ remains determined to secure a title shot whenever Muhammad is ready. 

FS Video

Rakhmonov stated that he is prepared to wait for the opportunity, whether it comes later this year or next year. It is important to note that had ‘Remember The Name’ accepted the fight, he would be fighting his first title defense just 70 days out of his title fight at UFC 304. Meanwhile, Rakhmonov has not fought since UFC 296 which was December last year.

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Shavkat Rakhmonov may lose to Belal Muhammad because if his cardio

Coach Louis Taylor from ‘Team Muhammad’ has extensive experience in MMA. He recently pointed out that Shavkat Rakhmonov’s conditioning, or “gas tank,” could be a significant factor if he were to fight UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

Belal Muhammad's coach on Shavkat Rakhmonov's endurance
Belal Muhammad’s coach on Shavkat Rakhmonov’s endurance (Image via Imago)

Taylor recently did an interview with Sportskeeda. There he talked about a possible matchup against either Kamaru Usman or Shavkat Rakhmonov for ‘Remember The Name’. This was when he highlighted that the Kazakh may find it difficult to protect his “0” if his endurance was not on point.

Gas tank is going to be a factor, and I think we beat him 3-2 or 4-1.
Louis Taylor on Sportskeeda
YouTube video

While Rakhmonov is known as a finisher, Taylor suggested that if the fight extended into the later rounds, Rakhmonov’s cardio might be tested. Especially against someone like Muhammad, who is known for his unstoppable pace and conditioning.

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