“Not a boogeyman…” UFC 311 star sides with Belal Muhammad dismissing Shavkat Rakhmonov as a threat
Belal Muhammad finds backing in Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano, who believes Shavkat Rakhmonov cannot overcome 'Bully B'.
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Renato Moicano sides with Belal Muhammad over Shavkat Rakhmonov (Image via Imago)
Surging lightweight contender Renato Moicano has been making headways in UFC. The Brazilian has turned into a fan-favorite by showcasing his natural persona to the world and winning fans over with exciting outings. Moicano made an appearance in the Ariel Helwani show, and highlighted the peculiar UFC 310 incident involving Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Joe Rogan and a security.
The 35-year-old suggested that the whole mishap was quite unfortunate and disrespectful to the incumbent champion. He also mentioned that Rakhmonov isn’t really on the level of ‘Bully B’, despite carrying the aura of ‘Boogeyman’. The Kazakh fighter faced his career’s hardest challenge in Ian Garry at UFC 310 and narrowly escaped being finished. Taking the performance into account, Moicano picked his side in a future title bout between Muhammad and Rakhmonov.
It is exteremly disrespectful to Belal. Because in the end of the day even if people don’t know him. He is good as H**l, he is very good. And I think he is way better than (Shavkat Rakhmonov)…..100% my money is on Belal Muhammad. I think Shavkat is not the boogeyman like they say. I think Belal Muhammad will make it look easy.
Renato Moicano via The Ariel Helwani Show YouTube
Belal Muhammad is more likely to be seen as an underdog heading into his next rebooking with Rakhmonov. Reading into the budding trend, Moicano offered his thoughts siding with ‘Bully B’ as he believes the champion can cause an ‘upset.’ Rakhmonov in his career has only once gone to judges scorecard, enjoying over 90% finish rate.
? Although, Renato Moicano was laughing his ass off when the security didn't let Belal to the octagon, Moicano believes that Belal will destroy Shavkat Rakhmonov.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 10, 2024
? @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/AeQzNIYPZb
Muhammad was to defend his title at UFC 310 against ‘Nomad’, but an injury pushed the fight into 2025. The welterweight champion, believes Rakhmonov’s past performance has really helped him decode the challenger even more.
Renato Moicano defends Joe Rogan for his intervention in Belal Muhammad security incident during UFC 310
From a fan slugging it out with Team Merab Dvalishvili to Ian Garry’s torn shorts situation, UFC 310 was a wild night for everything strange that rarely occurs. Out of all those absurd moments, Muhammad’s unfortunate run in with security attracted a lot of eyes. Many believe, Joe Rogan merely helped ‘Bully B’ to get past security with his comment, while some poked fun at the champion.
The number 10 ranked UFC lightweight is preparing to make his return with UFC 311 against Beneil Dariush. Being a big fan of UFC Icon Joe Rogan’s podcast, Moicano has expressed his interest to make an appearance on it. Moicano praised the UFC legend for his comedic timing and stated that he didn’t really wish to offend Muhammad.
I love Joe Rogan and even though he’s a comedian in stand up artist. I think that was his best bit; you know? Even if he didn’t do it on purpose, was just funny. Because Belal was trying to get into the cage…they don’t know he is the champion…I was laughing my a** off on the couch.
Renato Moicano via The Ariel Helwani Show
The welterweight title picture has finally gained a definite number 1 contender. It seems like the first half of 2025 will see the duo clash for the 170lbs strap. Rakhmonov may have had his life’s toughest challenge in Garry, and high-pace fighter like Muhammad can pose a unique challenge itself. Only time will tell how things will pan out as the two may fight in the first half of next year.
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Ayank Chourasia
(95 Articles Published)