Belal Muhammad Prepares for Title Defense Against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Remains Underdog

Belal Muhammad, a rising star in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who claimed the welterweight title, finds himself once again positioned as the underdog as he prepares for an anticipated fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Although nothing has been officially announced, sources indicate that the title defense could occur in late 2024 or early 2025.

Rakhmonov, who holds an undefeated record with a 100 percent finishing rate, is favored to dethrone Muhammad should they meet in the octagon. However, Stephen Thompson, a fellow fighter who has competed against both Muhammad and Rakhmonov, advises caution against premature assumptions of Rakhmonov’s victory.

“Belal, he’s got every chance to go out there and do well against Shavkat just like Shavkat has a chance to beat him,” Thompson remarked in a statement to MMA Fighting. He emphasized Muhammad’s prowess in dominating opponents across various fighting styles, including striking and grappling. “I don’t remember the last close fight that he’s had,” Thompson said, highlighting Muhammad’s consistent performance.

Thompson recalled underestimating Muhammad in the past, particularly during Muhammad’s matchup with renowned grappler Demian Maia. “Some of the best takedown defense I’ve seen,” Thompson recalled about Muhammad’s successful strategy against Maia. This reversal of expectations, Thompson noted, compelled him to view Muhammad as a formidable contender in the UFC.

As for Rakhmonov, despite being labeled as potentially unstoppable, Thompson suggests that Muhammad’s conditioning could present a significant challenge. “Belal’s going to make it an even harder pace,” he said, referencing Muhammad’s stamina and ability to maintain pressure throughout lengthy matches.

Discussing the stylistic match-up, Thompson forecasted that the fight could evolve into a striking contest, given both fighters’ grappling capabilities possibly neutralizing each other. “If it makes it past the third, you’ll start to see that fatigue,” Thompson predicted, observing that Rakhmonov showed signs of slowing down in previous bouts.

Thompson refrained from predicting an outright winner. “More than anything, he stresses that counting out Muhammad is done at your own peril,” he warned, expressing admiration for both competitors while promising an exhilarating matchup.