Following a significant shake-up at UFC 304, the welterweight class in the UFC is booming. After defeating Leon Edwards by unanimous decision to become the first UFC champion of Palestinian heritage, Belal Muhammad stunned the mixed martial arts community. However, now that he has the title around his waist, everyone is curious about who the 170-pound fighter is. Who will be the next contender for the heavyweight championship?
The two leading candidates aiming to challenge Muhammad are Kamaru Osman and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Nonetheless, UFC commissioner Chael Sonnen claims that Rakhmonov might have a major challenge unrelated to his fighting prowess.
Sonnen Questions Rakhmonov’s Path to a Title Shot
The son of a fighter, Rakhmonov of Kazakhstan, appears to be the logical candidate for a title opportunity. He has never lost. He was a formidable opponent because of his flawless record and 100% completion rate. On his YouTube channel, Sonnen, however, opined that Rakhmonov’s path to championship success may not be as straightforward as it first appears.
Sonnen clarified, “Whoever wins this fight, this debate about the referendum, is going to be in the world title fight.” He remarked that although Rakhmonov has an amazing record, his efforts to disclose might be weak.
Rakhmonov and Osman: The battle of public opinion
Rakhmonov has already called out Osman on social media, highlighting Osman’s 18-0 record with 100% completions compared to his recent defeat. “18-0 or 0-3 with 100% completion in the last three fights,” Rakhmonov tweeted, suggesting his recent performance should make him the obvious choice for a title shot next
But Sonnen raised an interesting point: Rakhmonov’s record hasn’t changed since the last fight. “It’s the first time Rakhmonov is speaking…and it’s important,” Sonnen said. He emphasized that emotion is everything in the UFC, and that self-discipline plays an important role in the title shot.
Kamaru Osman aims to reclaim his throne
Rakhmonov telling his story, Kamaru Osman was determined to reclaim the title he once held. “The Nigerian Nightmare” is not ready to fade into the background and set its sights on Belal Muhammad. Despite Muhammad’s victory over Edwards, Usman is unhappy.
Speaking on the podcast, Usman downplayed Muhammad’s success, saying, “You paint a very poor picture of me…whatever he does I do better,” Usman also reminded fans that he holds it the win over Edwards from their 2015 bout as well And he dominated Edwards in their rematch until a late head kick changed the outcome.
Usman believed Muhammad’s title win boosted his ego, comparing it to the impact of his first sip of beer. But for Osman, this isn’t just rubbish; it’s a challenge. He wants to prove that he is still the best fighter and deserves another shot at the welterweight crown.
Road to the Welterweight title: Tough fights
Within the UFC, the general consensus may be just as important as a knockout blow, and the competition to be the next in line for the title is intensifying. The path to the welterweight title is anything from simple, with Kamaru Osman seeking atonement and Shavkat Rakhmonov keen to maintain his place.
While the argument continues, one thing is certain: who will receive the opportunity to challenge Belal Muhammad for the title will be decided over the course of the next several months. Whether it’s Rakhmonov’s desire for fame or Osman’s thirst for vengeance, the title fight looks to be a fight both inside and beyond the Octagon.
