Tag: belal muhammad

Kamaru Usman Discusses Fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov On Short Notice At UFC 310: ‘The UFC Knows Who To Call’

Kamaru Usman seems ready to step up on short notice to face Shavkat Rakhmonov and keep the UFC 310 main event intact. The headliner for the final UFC pay-per-view event between reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Rakhmonov was called off last month after “Remember the Name” disclosed he had to pull out due to […]

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Kamaru Usman seems ready to step up on short notice to face Shavkat Rakhmonov and keep the UFC 310 main event intact.

The headliner for the final UFC pay-per-view event between reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and Rakhmonov was called off last month after “Remember the Name” disclosed he had to pull out due to a bone infection in his foot.

Since then, “Nomad” has voiced his desire to remain on the card, even campaigning for an interim title showdown, ideally against former longtime champion Usman. Rakhmonov’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, confirmed that the UFC is currently in talks and has proposed “The Nigerian Nightmare” as a possible opponent for the matchup.

During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Usman discussed the possibility of stepping in on just a month’s notice to face Rakhmonov at UFC 310. He stated that the UFC would reach out to a fighter primed to challenge the undefeated Kazakhstani, and should the promotion come calling, he would unquestionably accept.

“I’m still in that gym, you know,” Usman said. “If the UFC is going to call who they think is going to be legit tough enough and man enough to step in there on this crazy enough to step in there on short notice and go out there and possibly shock the world, definitely the UFC knows who to call when that situation happens. And if they do give me a call, I’m going to answer the call. We get a couple of things straight, and if we have to do it, I don’t shy away from any of that.”

“The Nigerian Nightmare” is no stranger to stepping in on short notice to face undefeated fighters. Usman took on the challenge of fighting Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in October 2023 with less than two weeks’ notice, ultimately suffering a majority decision loss.

Usman is currently enduring the most challenging phase of his career, having lost his 170-pound title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022. Since then, he has gone 0-2 in his last two Octagon appearances.

Continue Reading Kamaru Usman Discusses Fighting Shavkat Rakhmonov On Short Notice At UFC 310: ‘The UFC Knows Who To Call’ at MMA News.

UFC Vet Pushes Back On Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Interim Talk: ‘Belal Has The F*cking Title’

Shavkat Rakhmonov is campaigning for an interim title fight after Belal Muhammad withdrew from their scheduled UFC 310 clash, but a UFC veteran has a contrasting viewpoint. Rakhmonov was slated to challenge reigning welterweight champion Muhammad in the headline fight of the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2024, set for Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile […]

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Shavkat Rakhmonov is campaigning for an interim title fight after Belal Muhammad withdrew from their scheduled UFC 310 clash, but a UFC veteran has a contrasting viewpoint.

Rakhmonov was slated to challenge reigning welterweight champion Muhammad in the headline fight of the final UFC pay-per-view event of 2024, set for Dec. 7 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

However, just last week, “Remember the Name” revealed that he had been forced to withdraw from the bout due to a bone infection in his foot.

In light of this regrettable circumstance, Rakhmonov recently turned to social media to advocate for an interim title fight, proposing former champion Kamaru Usman as the ideal opponent to rescue the UFC 310 main event.

While the prospect of an interim title fight has sparked considerable intrigue within a significant portion of the MMA community, Muhammad was quick to dismiss the idea. Having only claimed the welterweight title four months ago, he believes an interim title would be premature — and Matt Brown shares the same sentiment.

During a recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast (via MMA Fighting), “The Immortal” recognized the necessity of addressing the void created by Muhammad’s absence but firmly expressed that, from his perspective, an interim title is unnecessary at this juncture.

“I think we all know at least it’s not a title,” Brown said. “Belal has the f**king title. He’ll be back soon. He’s going to fight the winner. This is a title contender match. Great. It’s a great fight. I’m stoked to see the fight. I’m just as stoked to see Shavkat and Usman as I would be for Shavkat and Belal, except it would be for the actual title with Belal.

“They usually do that because they need to sell the pay-per-view and put a title on it, right? I feel Usman would be selling PPVs. We all know who Usman is. We all want to watch Usman fight. I don’t think putting a title in front of that fight really changes the dynamic of that fight,” Brown continued. “I get why they would do it, and I understand the logic behind it and maybe it makes it a bigger fight, but I don’t see why you can’t keep it five rounds and just say it’s not for the title. … Unfortunately, it kind of diminishes what an interim title is.”

“Remember the Name” secured the welterweight title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July. Muhammad is now riding an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak.

Meanwhile, Rakhmonov is fresh off a second-round submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023. “Nomad” has yet to taste defeat in his professional career, boasting a flawless 6-0 record inside the Octagon.

Continue Reading UFC Vet Pushes Back On Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Interim Talk: ‘Belal Has The F*cking Title’ at MMA News.

Former UFC Champ Argues Leon Edwards Should Fight Shavkat Rakhmonov At UFC 310: ‘Rematch Against Belal Muhammad…’

UFC 310 no longer boasts two title fights as Belal Muhammad has pulled out of the main event because of a toe injury. While some fans want the newly crowned champion to be stripped for inactivity already, others are more concerned with finding a new opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov. Several contenders in the UFC welterweight […]

Continue Reading Former UFC Champ Argues Leon Edwards Should Fight Shavkat Rakhmonov At UFC 310: ‘Rematch Against Belal Muhammad…’ at MMA News.

UFC 310 no longer boasts two title fights as Belal Muhammad has pulled out of the main event because of a toe injury. While some fans want the newly crowned champion to be stripped for inactivity already, others are more concerned with finding a new opponent for Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Several contenders in the UFC welterweight division could benefit by stepping in and winning on UFC 310. Former champs Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman would want to re-enter the title race by beating a top prospect. On the other hand, fresh talents like Ian Garry, Sean Brady, and Jack Della Maddalena should be interested in securing their first title shots.

While discussing how UFC 310 should be dealt with, Michael Bisping pointed out that replacing Muhammad could help Edwards get his rematch quickly. “Rocky” gave the new champ his props after losing the welterweight belt at UFC 304 but also admitted to feeling fatigued due to the unusual timing.

Here’s why Bisping expects Edwards to take a risk by fighting Rakhmonov at UFC 310:

“For Leon Edwards, this does everything. You beat Shavkat Rakhmonov, you are the man. You step up, you are the man. You beat this man that’s finishing everybody. What does that do for you? Well, then you’re right back in the title conversation. In fact, you will be probably getting a rematch against Belal Muhammad.” He continued, “He wants to get his hands on Belal Muhammad once again. He wants to right the wrongs, he wants to prove to the world and himself that he’s the better man. But more importantly, to get back to becoming the welterweight champion of the world.”

Edwards holds two wins over Usman, and “The Count” claims beating an intimidating opponent with a 100% finish rate would be another feather in his cap. Additionally, a rematch with Muhammad in the United States would ensure he gets a chance to avenge his loss and fight at a more favorable time.

The former UFC champ understands that losing to “Nomad” is a huge risk for the English fighter as it would further extend his path back to the title. However, he thinks that the rewards outweigh the risks in this situation.

Bisping lastly called UFC 310 a great card regardless of the main event falling out. Like countless other fans, though, wouldn’t mind seeing the undefeated Rakhmonov put to the test again.

Continue Reading Former UFC Champ Argues Leon Edwards Should Fight Shavkat Rakhmonov At UFC 310: ‘Rematch Against Belal Muhammad…’ at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Doubts Belal Muhammad Had To Withdraw From UFC 310: ‘I Think He Was Able’ 

Top UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov believes champion Belal Muhammad could have made their planned fight date if he really wanted to. Rakhmonov entered November with a first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in the calendar. The undefeated “Nomad” was booked in as the first challenger in the reign of […]

Continue Reading Shavkat Rakhmonov Doubts Belal Muhammad Had To Withdraw From UFC 310: ‘I Think He Was Able’  at MMA News.

Top UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov believes champion Belal Muhammad could have made their planned fight date if he really wanted to.

Rakhmonov entered November with a first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in the calendar. The undefeated “Nomad” was booked in as the first challenger in the reign of Muhammad, which got underway with a dominant display opposite Leon Edwards this past July.

But their UFC 310 main event is no more following an injury to the champ, who revealed this past weekend that he had been hospitalized with a gruesome bone infection that will prevent him from training for the next six weeks.

With that, the Dec. 7 headline spot is in limbo, as is Rakhmonov’s place on the lineup for the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year.

But the Kazakh contender evidently doesn’t believe this difficult scenario had to come to fruition.

During Monday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show on Uncrowned, Rakhmonov addressed the current situation, questioning if Muhammad really did have to withdraw.

“I think he was able to fight on Dec. 7, but he wasn’t sure and is being extra careful,” Rakhmonov said. “I was just envisioning myself getting the win and it doesn’t matter how or which way. Belal is a good opponent, but I believe I can work with him in any field. I can counter him, I can pressure him, I just only see my (hand) getting raised in a fight against him.

“I don’t believe it’s going to be six weeks (to recover), to be honest. I believe Jack Della (had) the same problem with infection and he’s still not back. It can take a while,” Rakhmonov continued. “Belal doesn’t need to be greedy. If I become interim champ, he’s still going to have a belt too.”

Nevertheless, should he capture an interim title in Muhammad’s absence, Rakhmonov believes that will only make his eventual showdown with “Remember the Name” even bigger in 2025.

“It’s good for Belal, too. It’s only going to make the fight bigger,” Rakhmonov stated. “Champ vs. champ whenever Belal is ready. Obviously, after I secure the interim title, I’m going to fight him. First quarter of next year I believe is already scheduled and taken so he cannot come back soon, anyway.”

“Nomad” appeared more sympathetic toward his division’s champ soon after news of his injury emerged, taking to social media to wish Muhammad well in his recovery.

The Kazakh fighter can likely now expect some backlash from Muhammad after questioning the serious nature of his bone infection.

Continue Reading Shavkat Rakhmonov Doubts Belal Muhammad Had To Withdraw From UFC 310: ‘I Think He Was Able’  at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad Fires Back at ‘Junkie’ Conor McGregor After UFC 310 Withdrawal Mockery ‘We are not the same’

Belal Muhammad Fires Back at 'Junkie' Conor McGregor After UFC 310 Withdrawal Mockery 'We are not the same'Belal Muhammad didn’t take kindly to being mocked by Conor McGregor. Earlier this week, news broke that ‘Remember The…

Belal Muhammad Fires Back at 'Junkie' Conor McGregor After UFC 310 Withdrawal Mockery 'We are not the same'

Belal Muhammad didn’t take kindly to being mocked by Conor McGregor.

Earlier this week, news broke that ‘Remember The Name’ would no longer defend his welterweight title against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 as advertised. Muhammad later confirmed the report on social media, revealing that he had suffered a bone infection in his foot that would require six weeks of antibiotic treatment.

“Caught a bone infection in my foot .. had to put a picc line in my arm for iv antibiotics the next 6 weeks with no physical activity … Allahs plan is the best plan I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me Ill be back soon inshAllah,” Muhammed revealed on X.

Belal Muhammad

Not long after Muhammad confirmed his withdrawal from the final pay-per-view event of the year, former two-division titleholder Conor McGregor chimed in with a pair of laughing emojis to seemingly mock Muhammad’s misfortune.

Belal Muhammad, Conor McGregor

True to form, McGregor quickly deleted the comment, but by then Muhammad had already seen it and was quick to snap back at the Irishman.

“I have this for antibiotics.. you use needles because you are junkie .. we are not the same,” Muhammad replied.

Conor McGregor takes joy in Belal muhammad’s Injury

Never one to let anyone get the last word, McGregor responded to the slight.

Belal Muhammad, Conor McGregor

“Scutter talk just like your fighting,” McGregor wrote. “You lambasted ufc world champions multiple times on having to reschedule their bouts thru injury and now it has come down on you like a bomb from the sky, it is glorious to see! No fight. No money. But staph infection hahahaja LOL! BUM! Stripped! Instantly. Zero Knockdowns/any excitement or traffic or views or ticket sales in bout, and now also non reliable to show? Strip. Cut. Infected fighter. You have infections.”

We’re not sure what’s worse — McGregor laughing at another fighter for suffering a serious infection, or the fact that the Irish megastar is picking a fight with someone over withdrawing from a matchup five months after he pulled out of his UFC 303 headliner against Michael Chandler for, of all things, a broken pinky toe.

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Alex Pereira Approached To Save The Day — Again — After UFC 310 Loses Main Event

The UFC has reportedly turned to a familiar face in Alex Pereira after losing its headline attraction for the final pay-per-view event of the year. Reports emerged on Thursday regarding a potential injury suffered by UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad, who was booked to headline UFC 310 in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 in defense […]

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The UFC has reportedly turned to a familiar face in Alex Pereira after losing its headline attraction for the final pay-per-view event of the year.

Reports emerged on Thursday regarding a potential injury suffered by UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad, who was booked to headline UFC 310 in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 in defense of his title against Shavkat Rakhmonov.

“Remember the Name” subsequently confirmed the disappointing news on social media, posting an image of a gruesome bone infection that hospitalized him and will keep him out of training for the next six weeks.

With that, the promotion will need to secure a new headline matchup to close out its PPV schedule for 2024. And when it comes to saviors, no one has fit the description in 2024 quite like “Poatan.”

Pereira, a former UFC middleweight champion and the reigning light heavyweight kingpin, has had a bumper year inside the Octagon, reeling off three straight title defenses in record-breaking speed to establish himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars.

The manner of his first two defenses only added to the plaudits thrown his way, with Pereira saving the promotion after a struggle to secure a suitable UFC 300 main event and the withdrawal of Conor McGregor from UFC 303 less than three months later.

Having added the name of Khalil Rountree to his reign’s list of victims at UFC 307 earlier this month, it appeared that Pereira would finally be due a long-earned rest.

While that still might be the case, MMA Mania is reporting that “Poatan” has indeed been contacted about headlining UFC 310 against Magomed Ankalaev in light of Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov being off.

The welterweight number one contender seemingly has something to say about that, however. After wishing his injured opponent well on X, “Nomad” called to remain on the UFC 310 card in competition for an interim welterweight strap.

It remains to be seen whether Muhammad will be out for long enough to warrant the creation of another belt. But should no other options come to fruition for the Dec. 7 headline slot, the promotion has previously shown a willingness to add interim belts to the equation in such scenarios.

Continue Reading Alex Pereira Approached To Save The Day — Again — After UFC 310 Loses Main Event at MMA News.