Shavkat Rakhmonov star power could cost title shot snub against Belal Muhammad, claims Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier talks about why former champion Kamaru Usman could take away Shavkat Rakhmonov's potential title shot against Belal Muhammad.


Shavkat Rakhmonov star power could cost title shot snub against Belal Muhammad, claims Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier says Kamaru Usman can take away Shavkat Rakhmonov's title shot against Belal Muhammad (Image via Imago)

Daniel Cormier recently shared his thoughts on the possibility of Kamaru Usman taking Shavkat Rakhmonov‘s title shot against Belal Muhammad. The UFC commentator said that it could be possible due to the former welterweight champion’s star power.

Daniel Cormier brought this up in a recent video on his YouTube channel. He believes that despite Rakhmonov’s impressive undefeated streak, he lacks the mainstream appeal and experience against high-level opponents that Usman has.

I say, no because he [Shavkat] just hasn’t had that opportunity to show it against anyone that will elevate him... So, I don’t know that the first title defense need to be a between a guy, if we being honest Belal is just now starting to resonate with fans and another guy who hasn’t crossed over just yet. You always got to have established star. And guess who this established star is – Kamaru Usman.
Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel
YouTube video

According to Cormier, Usman’s established reputation and ability to draw fans make him a more attractive contender for a title shot. Moreover, Cormier pointed out that Belal Muhammad is just beginning to resonate with fans.

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Therefore pairing him with another relatively unpopular fighter like Rakhmonov might not be as marketable as a clash with Usman. The two have actively taken shots at each other on social media which could be a key build-up to a potential showdown in the near future.

Daniel Cormier warns Belal Muhammad on talking smack against Kamaru Usman

Belal Muhammad and Kamaru Usman have recently engaged in a heated social media exchange. This was after Muhammad’s title victory at UFC 304. Usman criticized Muhammad’s performance and career during an interview. Muhammad responded by mocking Usman’s reign as champion. He even took personal jabs at Usman’s brief role in Black Panther.

Kamaru Usman vs. Belal Muhammad on the horizon?
Kamaru Usman vs. Belal Muhammad on the horizon? (Source: IMAGO)

The exchange has caught the attention of the MMA community. In a recent YouTube video, Daniel Cormier advised Muhammad to be careful. He warned that this rivalry could lead to a potential fight with Usman – a challenge that should not be taken lightly given Usman’s reign as welterweight champion. 

This is one of those situations, where Belal Muhammad is doing exactly what you’d expect from your champions, but you gotta be careful unless that’s exactly what you want. Either he wants to fight Kamaru Usman, or he’s just chirping. Because by doing what he’s doing right now, he might have to fight Kamaru Usman.
Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel

He gave the example of Alex Pereira who fought former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya with just three fights under his belt. This was because of the history they had together. This rivalry is what packs the arena. Cormier said that Muhammad has to be careful talking smack because he might just have to step into the octagon against ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’.

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