Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has quickly become a favorite following his landmark victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304. After fans and analysts frantically speculated on who his opponent would be, Muhammad settled himself and continued. In a recent interview, Palestinian-American activists Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Osman suggested “flipping a coin” to determine their next challenger.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Finished Undefeated
Shavkat Rakhmonov has emerged as one of the most exciting fighters in the welterweight division. With a flawless record of 18-0 and a 100% completion rate, the Kazakh fighter has caught the attention of the MMA world. But despite the impeccable record, Muhammad expressed skepticism about Rakhmonov’s resume, saying the rising star has yet to face top-level competition in the UFC
“Yeah actually that [Shavkat Rakhmonov] would be a perfect matchup,” Muhammad shared in a podcast with Brendan Schaub and Brian Callen. “But he hasn’t fought enough big names yet to be a clear contender.”
On the other hand, former welterweight champion and one of the greatest fighters to have competed in the division, Kamru Usman offers a unique challenge Known as “Nigeria’s Nightmare,” Usman was once a dominant force at 170 pounds and he has held the title and defended it several times. But his recent move to middleweight and back-to-back losses in the welterweight division cast doubt on his status as a top contender
However, Muhammad acknowledged Uthman’s inheritance by saying, “Uthman has inheritance, doesn’t he? He was a guy that Dana White says is better than GSP [former champion and GOAT champion Georges St-Pierre].”
Deciding to flip a coin?
Muhammad’s offer for Rakhmonov and Osman to “flip the coin” so they can see who should challenge him next, but it highlights the uncertainty surrounding the welterweight division “They both have the same gym in,” Muhammad added. “So turn a coin and let’s see which of you wants to go out and fight me.”
Muhammad’s willingness to fight any opponent reflects his confidence and readiness to defend his title against anyone in the division. “Nobody really deserves a title shot right now, but that’s why I’m willing to fight any of them,” he declared.
Uthman vs. Muhammad: War of words
As the debate over Muhammad’s next opponent rages, Kamru Osman has already taken steps to claim his place at the front of the line. In a heated exchange on social media, Usman fired the first shot, calling Muhammad a “bum” and questioning his credentials.
“Well enough of the nice guy… you were never after me bum. When I won the division, you were barely in the rankings. FYI I have victory over Leon’s son,” Usman wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Known for his fiery personality, Muhammad did not hesitate in his answers, eager to prove the doubters wrong. The Chicago native, who has long felt underestimated by the UFC community, issued a sharp response that attacked not only Usman’s title reign but his side as well
“u beat masvidal twice and got into cardio kickboxing fights with colby twice (colby sucks). u were protected by ufc.. now u can barely walk… your podcast sucks ..and ur part in black panther sucked,” Muhammad replied, leaving no stone unturned in his takedown of the former champion.
What’s next for the welterweight division?
With pressure mounting and no clear contender for Muhammad’s first title defense, the UFC faces a challenge. While Rakhmonov’s comprehensive track record and ability to finish make him a tempting choice, Osman’s heritage and personal conflict with Muhammad could make him coveted by drama fans.
