Shavkat Rakhmonov Calls Out Kamaru Usman’s Title Shot Pursuit

Rakhmonov Questions Usman’s Entitlement to a Title Shot

Shavkat Rakhmonov, a dominant force in the UFC welterweight division, has openly criticized Kamaru Usman’s recent efforts to secure a title fight. Usman, a former champion, has never explicitly requested a title opportunity until recently, finding himself in a public back-and-forth with the current champion, Belal Muhammad. This exchange has even prompted Muhammad to suggest he’d be willing to defend his title against either Rakhmonov or Usman in December. However, Rakhmonov, who boasts an undefeated record of 18-0 in MMA and 6-0 in the UFC, firmly believes he is the next in line for a championship bout. He finds Usman’s claim to a title shot perplexing, especially given his recent string of losses.

Usman’s Recent Struggles and Rakhmonov’s Perspective

The core of Rakhmonov’s argument stems from Usman’s recent fight history. Kamaru Usman has suffered three consecutive losses, a stark contrast to his previous championship reign. His most recent defeats came against Leon Edwards, in two separate title bouts, and a hard-fought but ultimately unsuccessful middleweight contest against Khamzat Chimaev. Rakhmonov, speaking through an interpreter in an interview with Submission Radio, expressed his bewilderment at Usman’s current position. „I’m not sure what (Usman) is thinking,“ Rakhmonov stated. „Like, I think it’s a bit of a shame to ask for a title shot after three losses in a row. I can’t understand it. But yeah, it is what it is.“ This sentiment highlights a clear belief that recent performance should be the primary determinant of who gets the next shot at UFC gold.

Rakhmonov Identifies More Deserving Contenders

Looking ahead, Shavkat Rakhmonov is not only dismissing Kamaru Usman’s claim but also actively pointing out other fighters he believes are more deserving of a welterweight title opportunity. If Rakhmonov were to hypothetically defeat Belal Muhammad, he sees two standout contenders as the clear favorites to challenge for the belt next. These individuals, in his view, are poised to make a significant impact and have earned their place in the title picture through consistent wins and impressive performances. „There are a few good guys in the division who are very close to a title shot,“ Rakhmonov elaborated. „I can say Jack Della Maddalena, Ian (Machado) Garry.“ This statement underscores Rakhmonov’s forward-thinking approach and his focus on the evolving landscape of the welterweight division, emphasizing meritocracy over past accolades.