In keeping with unbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov, a possible title combat with present gold holder, Belal Muhammad was floated for UFC 307 in Salt Lake Metropolis — earlier than the newly-minted champion is alleged to have turned down the matchup.
Muhammad, the present undisputed welterweight gold holder, managed to land the divisional crown in the principle occasion of UFC 304 on the finish of July, delivering a dominant unanimous resolution win over Leon Edwards within the pair’s title rematch in Manchester, England.
As for Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov, the proper finisher turned in his eighteenth skilled win again in December of final 12 months on the principle card of UFC 296, besting former title challenger, Stephen Thompson with a shocking second spherical rear-naked choke win.
Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad rejected title combat at UFC 307
And staking his declare for a title cost in opposition to Muhammad subsequent forward of former undisputed welterweight champion and pound-for-pound primary, Kamaru Usman, Rakhmonov has now claimed the Illinois titleholder was provided a return in Utah at UFC 307 — to which he rejected.
“Yeah, truly, I’ve already been provided a combat to combat Belal (Muhammad), and I accepted the combat in opposition to Belal,” Shavkat Rakhmonov informed MMA Preventing. “However sadly, he declined to combat me as a result of timing points. He wasn’t able to defend his belt presently. So, we’ll see what’s going to occur and when he’s going to be prepared, so I can combat him.”
Earlier than he grew to become a champion, and after he received the belt, he stated he’s going to be an lively champion, and he’ll defend his belt extra usually, however in the intervening time, he wasn’t backing up what he stated, you realize?” Shavkat Rakhmonov defined. “So, let’s see what’s going to occur, when he’s going to be able to combat me.”
