Tag: Kamaru Usman

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman’s Title Shot Request After Three Losses is ‘Kind of a Shame’

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity….

Shavkat Rakhmonov: Usman's Title Shot Request After Three Losses is 'Kind of a Shame'

Shavkat Rakhmonov sees himself as the clear No. 1 contender and next in line for a welterweight title opportunity.

With an 18-0 record and a 100% finish rate, it would be difficult to disagree. Since storming onto the UFC scene four years ago, ‘Nomad’ has laid waste to every man the promotion has put in front of him, including division mainstays Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

Shavkat

On the cusp of his first UFC title opportunity, Rakhmonov firmly believes there is nobody more deserving than himself. That includes ex-titleholderKamaru Usman who recently lobbied for a shot against newly minted welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

“UFC thinks that I’m the No.1 contender and I should be next,” Rakhmonov told Submission Radio. “Because there’s no [other] clear contender anyway. I got 100% finishes, all wins on the UFC. So I rightfully should be next. Everyone else [is] also very close but I think they need couple of wins to get this title shot. So I should be next… For me I’m actually ready any time.

“So before the end of the year or whenever UFC wants to organize this fight, whenever Belal is ready. This year, early next year, I don’t care. I’m ready to win this belt and bring it back to Kazakhstan” (h/t Sherdog).

Furthermore, ‘Nomad’ thinks Usman should be ashamed of himself for even mentioning a title fight following a trio of losses in his last three outings.

”I don’t know what he [Usman] is thinking about, I think it’s kind of a shame ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight, like in my head I cannot get my head around it,’”Rakhmonov added.

Shavkat Rakhmonov doubles Down on X

In case his comments weren’t clear enough, Rakhmonov took to social media to make his case once again.

Shavkat

”18-0 with 100% finishes or 0-3 in the last three fights,” Rakhmonov wrote on X. “I think there should be no question who fights next for the title”

Kamaru Usman’s decade-long unbeaten streak came to a crashing halt in August 2022 following Leon Edwards’ kick heard ’round the world at UFC 278. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ failed to reclaim the welterweight crown in an immediate rematch, suffering a unanimous decision loss against ‘Rocky’ seven months later.

The last time we saw Usman inside the Octagon was on October 2023 when he stepped in for a short-notice scrap with Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi. Usman lost the bout via majority decision.

Usman vs. Chimaev

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman’s title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal MuhammadUnbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains hopeful of securing his own championship charge against the undisputed gold holder, Belal…

Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman's title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Unbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains hopeful of securing his own championship charge against the undisputed gold holder, Belal Muhammad next — claiming former champion, Kamaru Usman really has no claim to a challenge amid his three-fight losing skid.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently featured at UFC 296 back in December of last year, becoming the first fighter to finish former title challenger, Stephen Thompson with a submission — landing a rear-naked choke success.

Shavkat Rakhmonov eyes title fight with win at UFC 296 Of course I'm ready
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

Shavkat Rakhmonov issues warning to both Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad

The victory came as Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov’s eighteenth consecutively — all by way of finish, and off the back of Muhammad’s title coronation at UFC 304 earlier this summer, he wants to land himself a title challenge next, ahead of former pound-for-pound number one, Usman.

Shavkat Rakhmonov reveals 'Very serious injury' suffered ahead of Stephen Thompson fight, almost exited UFC 296
Mandatory Credit: Cooper Neil – Zuffa LLC

“I don’t know what he (Kamaru Usman) is thinking about,” Shavkat Rakhmonov told Submission Radio during a recent interview. “It’s a shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fights straight. Like, in my head — I can’t get my head around it. But, it is what it is.”

“All I can say to Belal (Muhammad), is to get ready,” Shavkat Rakhmonov explained. “There’s nowhere to run. This fight has to happen next. The cage door will close, and then we’ll see who’s the better man.”

Knocking the losing skid of former champion, Usman to boot alongside Rakhmonov, undisputed titleholder, Muhammad has discussed potentially fighting the Auchi veteran first and foremost — labelling a potential bout with the former champion as a legacy matchup for him.

shavkat 2

In the midst of a three-fight losing run, Nigerian veteran, Usman most recently co-headlined UFC 294 back in October of last year in Abu Dhabi, UAE — suffering a controversial majority decision defeat against the undefeated, Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight divisional debut on short-notice.

‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship

Shavkat Rakhmonov is easily one of the most hyped prospects in the UFC due to his undefeated record and 100% finish rate. His 18 pro wins include ten submissions and eight knockouts. Even in the UFC, Rakhmonov has racked up six consecutive finishes without much trouble. After submitting Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson, […]

Continue Reading ‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is easily one of the most hyped prospects in the UFC due to his undefeated record and 100% finish rate. His 18 pro wins include ten submissions and eight knockouts.

Even in the UFC, Rakhmonov has racked up six consecutive finishes without much trouble. After submitting Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson, he’s now waiting to face Belal Muhammad for the UFC welterweight championship.

Here’s what Rakhmonov thinks of other welterweights like Kamaru Usman asking for a title shot and how he plans to defeat the champion…

Shavkat Rakhmonov Brings Up Kamaru Usman’s Three Consecutive Losses To Deny His Title Shot Against Belal Muhammad

Rakhmonov recently appeared on the Submission Radio YouTube channel to discuss his future in the UFC. He seems certain about fighting for UFC welterweight gold next and highlighted that no one in the division deserves it more.

Talking about Usman, “Nomad” pointed out that the former UFC welterweight kingpin has lost three UFC fights in a row. This includes two losses to Leon Edwards and a decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. So, he expects the “Nigerian Nightmare” to get back in the win column before fighting for the title again.

Based on the translation provided by Submission Radio, here’s what Rakhmonov said about Usman:

“Yeah, I don’t know what he’s thinking about, like, I think it’s kind of shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fight straight. Like, in my head, I cannot get my head around it. But, yeah, it is what it is.”

Rakhmonov also suggested that Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Garry should fight in a title eliminator next. If he beats Muhammad, he looks forward to defending the title for the first time against one of these opponents.

“There’s few good guys in the division who are very close to title shot. I can say that Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Garry. And maybe they should fight each other and the winner should be next for the title after me.”

All in all, Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov for the UFC welterweight title looks all but confirmed. The challenger has admitted to being ready for a fight anytime in 2024, so the UFC might announce the final date once the champion confirms his availability.

Continue Reading ‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship at MMA News.

‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship

Shavkat Rakhmonov is easily one of the most hyped prospects in the UFC due to his undefeated record and 100% finish rate. His 18 pro wins include ten submissions and eight knockouts. Even in the UFC, Rakhmonov has racked up six consecutive finishes without much trouble. After submitting Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson, […]

Continue Reading ‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship at MMA News.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is easily one of the most hyped prospects in the UFC due to his undefeated record and 100% finish rate. His 18 pro wins include ten submissions and eight knockouts.

Even in the UFC, Rakhmonov has racked up six consecutive finishes without much trouble. After submitting Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson, he’s now waiting to face Belal Muhammad for the UFC welterweight championship.

Here’s what Rakhmonov thinks of other welterweights like Kamaru Usman asking for a title shot and how he plans to defeat the champion…

Shavkat Rakhmonov Brings Up Kamaru Usman’s Three Consecutive Losses To Deny His Title Shot Against Belal Muhammad

Rakhmonov recently appeared on the Submission Radio YouTube channel to discuss his future in the UFC. He seems certain about fighting for UFC welterweight gold next and highlighted that no one in the division deserves it more.

Talking about Usman, “Nomad” pointed out that the former UFC welterweight kingpin has lost three UFC fights in a row. This includes two losses to Leon Edwards and a decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. So, he expects the “Nigerian Nightmare” to get back in the win column before fighting for the title again.

Based on the translation provided by Submission Radio, here’s what Rakhmonov said about Usman:

“Yeah, I don’t know what he’s thinking about, like, I think it’s kind of shame to ask for a title shot after losing three fight straight. Like, in my head, I cannot get my head around it. But, yeah, it is what it is.”

Rakhmonov also suggested that Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Garry should fight in a title eliminator next. If he beats Muhammad, he looks forward to defending the title for the first time against one of these opponents.

“There’s few good guys in the division who are very close to title shot. I can say that Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Garry. And maybe they should fight each other and the winner should be next for the title after me.”

All in all, Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov for the UFC welterweight title looks all but confirmed. The challenger has admitted to being ready for a fight anytime in 2024, so the UFC might announce the final date once the champion confirms his availability.

Continue Reading ‘Shame To Ask For A Title Shot’ – Shavkat Rakhmonov Rejects Kamaru Usman’s Case To Fight Belal Muhammad For UFC Welterweight Championship at MMA News.

Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’

Kamaru Usman recently expressed his views on Dricus Du Plessis’ impressive win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. “Stillknocks” retained his UFC middleweight championship in commanding style last weekend, submitting Adesanya with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a thrilling contest at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. In a fiercely contested bout where neither fighter […]

Continue Reading Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’ at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman recently expressed his views on Dricus Du Plessis’ impressive win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

“Stillknocks” retained his UFC middleweight championship in commanding style last weekend, submitting Adesanya with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a thrilling contest at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

In a fiercely contested bout where neither fighter held back, Du Plessis displayed remarkable grit and determination. As the fight entered the championship rounds, the South African unleashed a relentless flurry of punches that left “The Last Stylebender” reeling. Seizing the momentum, the defending champion secured a takedown and swiftly transitioned to lock in a decisive submission.

Despite a rivalry that had flared up and taken an ugly turn on multiple occasions, Du Plessis and Adesanya finally put their animosity to rest after their historic clash. The bout, steeped in a fierce cultural clash narrative, marked the UFC’s first-ever all-African title fight.

Adesanya, originally born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later relocating to New Zealand at a young age, had previously accused Du Plessis of undermining the legacy of the “African Kings”. This tension began when “Stillknocks” had boldly claimed he wanted to be the ‘real’ African UFC champion.

The title of “African Kings” was a prestigious moniker bestowed upon Adesanya, alongside Usman and Francis Ngannou, during a time when the trio simultaneously held UFC belts, representing the continent on the global stage.

“The Nigerian Nightmare” provided a nuanced perspective about the heated feud heading into UFC 305 and also his thoughts on where Du Plessis fits into UFC’s African elite.

Usman Includes Du Plessis In UFC’s African Elite

During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman delved into Du Plessis’ victory over Adesanya at UFC 305. However, the conversation quickly escalated into a lively debate when the former UFC welterweight champion voiced his displeasure over Cejudo’s lighthearted remark – where he dubbed Du Plessis the “Real African King.”

“I understand it was a whole marketing thing for Dricus Du Plessis, which he might not have necessarily meant in the way that Israel might have taken it,” Usman said. “But you have to be careful because it’s dangerous—it’s very, very dangerous. You have to be careful with what you say because now we’re in a position to influence the masses in the world. So, with power—I say it all the time—with great power comes great responsibility. When you have that platform and you have that mic in your hand, you have to be careful with what you say.”

“The Nigerian Nightmare” went on to emphasize that Du Plessis is actually the fourth African champion.

“So to say, ‘Oh, I’m the real African,’ that’s completely crazy. And for you [Cejudo] to say that perpetually, ‘Oh, he’s the real African king,’ I know you’re just joking, but it’s not—this is how division continues to be perpetuated. Dricus Du Plessis is the fourth African champion right now, so there are four horsemen. We’ve moved on from the three kings to where now it’s four horsemen. So to continue to perpetuate this whole ‘Oh, African king’ or this or that, that’s ridiculous.”

Continue Reading Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’ at MMA News.

Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’

Kamaru Usman recently expressed his views on Dricus Du Plessis’ impressive win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. “Stillknocks” retained his UFC middleweight championship in commanding style last weekend, submitting Adesanya with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a thrilling contest at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. In a fiercely contested bout where neither fighter […]

Continue Reading Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’ at MMA News.

Kamaru Usman recently expressed his views on Dricus Du Plessis’ impressive win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

“Stillknocks” retained his UFC middleweight championship in commanding style last weekend, submitting Adesanya with a fourth-round rear-naked choke in a thrilling contest at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

In a fiercely contested bout where neither fighter held back, Du Plessis displayed remarkable grit and determination. As the fight entered the championship rounds, the South African unleashed a relentless flurry of punches that left “The Last Stylebender” reeling. Seizing the momentum, the defending champion secured a takedown and swiftly transitioned to lock in a decisive submission.

Despite a rivalry that had flared up and taken an ugly turn on multiple occasions, Du Plessis and Adesanya finally put their animosity to rest after their historic clash. The bout, steeped in a fierce cultural clash narrative, marked the UFC’s first-ever all-African title fight.

Adesanya, originally born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later relocating to New Zealand at a young age, had previously accused Du Plessis of undermining the legacy of the “African Kings”. This tension began when “Stillknocks” had boldly claimed he wanted to be the ‘real’ African UFC champion.

The title of “African Kings” was a prestigious moniker bestowed upon Adesanya, alongside Usman and Francis Ngannou, during a time when the trio simultaneously held UFC belts, representing the continent on the global stage.

“The Nigerian Nightmare” provided a nuanced perspective about the heated feud heading into UFC 305 and also his thoughts on where Du Plessis fits into UFC’s African elite.

Usman Includes Du Plessis In UFC’s African Elite

During a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo, Usman delved into Du Plessis’ victory over Adesanya at UFC 305. However, the conversation quickly escalated into a lively debate when the former UFC welterweight champion voiced his displeasure over Cejudo’s lighthearted remark – where he dubbed Du Plessis the “Real African King.”

“I understand it was a whole marketing thing for Dricus Du Plessis, which he might not have necessarily meant in the way that Israel might have taken it,” Usman said. “But you have to be careful because it’s dangerous—it’s very, very dangerous. You have to be careful with what you say because now we’re in a position to influence the masses in the world. So, with power—I say it all the time—with great power comes great responsibility. When you have that platform and you have that mic in your hand, you have to be careful with what you say.”

“The Nigerian Nightmare” went on to emphasize that Du Plessis is actually the fourth African champion.

“So to say, ‘Oh, I’m the real African,’ that’s completely crazy. And for you [Cejudo] to say that perpetually, ‘Oh, he’s the real African king,’ I know you’re just joking, but it’s not—this is how division continues to be perpetuated. Dricus Du Plessis is the fourth African champion right now, so there are four horsemen. We’ve moved on from the three kings to where now it’s four horsemen. So to continue to perpetuate this whole ‘Oh, African king’ or this or that, that’s ridiculous.”

Continue Reading Classy Kamaru Usman Reacts To Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Win: ‘We’ve Moved On From Three Kings To Four Horsemen’ at MMA News.