Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Belal Muhammad 'declined' UFC 307 fight date

30/08/2024 18:01

Shavkat Rakhmonov has claimed that Belal Muhammad turned down a major welterweight world title collision at UFC 307.

The Kazakh has utilized his formidable skills and unrelenting will to win to earn a shot at the 170-pound King.

Shavkat Rakhmonov says Belal Muhammad turned down UFC 307 fight

Since his explosion in the world of UFC, Shavkat Rakhmonov has dazzled the fans with his impressive grappling skills, honed through years of combat sambo training.

His terrifying moves on the mat have been exhibited during exceptional submission victories over the likes of Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal.

With his top-level performances considered, many believe he has done enough to deserve the next shot against Belal Muhammad.

According to the man himself, the UFC agree. Rakhmonov claims that the promotion offered him a title opportunity, but the champion turned it down.

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In an interview with MMA Fighting, he said: "Yeah, actually, I've already been offered a fight to fight Belal, and I accepted the fight against Belal.

“But unfortunately, he declined to fight me due to the timing issues. He wasn't ready to defend his belt at 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.

"Before he became a champion, and after he won the belt, he said he's going to be an active champion, and he will defend his belt more often, but at the moment, he wasn't backing up what he said, you know, so let's see what's going to happen, when he's going to be ready to fight me."

When pressed on the date, he answered: "It was in October. The Salt Lake [City] card, [UFC 307]."

Shavkat Rakhmonov blasts Kamaru Usman

While it appears the UFC is more than willing to give Rakhmonov his chance at the big time, he’s not the only contender calling for a shot at the throne.

Former world champion Kamaru Usman is desperate to reclaim the belt he used to hold.

However, the idea of the Nigerian receiving a title bout with Muhammad over him has definitely hit a nerve with the Kazakh.

In a recent interview, the 29-year-old slammed Usman, explaining exactly why he believes there’s no logic in him getting a fight with ‘Remember the Name’.

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