The recently concluded UFC 304 event witnessed a fighting masterclass from Belal Muhammad. ‘Remember the Name’ took on Leon Edwards for the welterweight title and dominated the champion. ‘Rocky’ seemed entirely out of place and had no answer to Muhammad’s pace and precision.
However, one of the biggest questions now arises is whom he will face next for his first title defense. Muhammad has shown his willingness to feature at the UFC 310 event only if Conor McGregor doesn’t make a return.
The fight is yet to be announced by the UFC, and the 36-year-old hopes he finds a place there. So, whom can he face next? It seems his coach Horacio Gutierrez has the answer for us.
Belal Muhammad’s next opponent revealed by his boxing coach
When 36-year-old Belal Muhammad entered the Octagon in Manchester, he seemed to be a man on a mission. Edwards not only had the home support, but many felt he was the favorite. However, Muhammad displayed his array of skills and nullified any threats of the former champion. He is now ready to defend his title and wants to return to action as soon as possible. Gutierrez during a recent interview with Inside Fighting gave out details about his next opponent.
During the interview, he revealed that Belal Muhammad’s next opponent might be Shavkat Rakhmonov. The coach said, “I don’t feel like number one contender. I think the next one they are gonna give us is probably the Russian. I can’t remember his name Shavkat.” Rakhmonov is currently unbeaten in the division and Gutierrez feels this might be the reason for him getting the nod ahead of the rest.
He also pointed out how other big names are currently on a losing streak and said, “They are gonna give us that because he is undefeated and most finishes stuffs like that. So lets do it lets go against him. I don’t see no one else. We just won against Leon. Usman has three loss streak and then Colby he just lost and he hasn’t fought in years. So I think it’s gonna be the Russian and I am super excited to get him ready for that one.”
‘Nomad’ is currently on a dream run and holds a record of 18-0 in his professional career. Out of those 18 wins, 10 have come by submission and 8 via knockout. However, all such records do not affect the champion, as he is willing to take on the undefeated fighter next.
Belal Muhammad showed his willingness to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov
During his post-fight press conference, Belal Muhammad made it clear that he won’t back out from any challenge in his career. It seems the 36-year-old is willing to stick to his words and has no problems in facing Rakhmonov next. The 18-0 fighter is one of the most dominating fighters in the 170-pound division and has caught the attention of many out there. However, it seems that he has yet to impress the welterweight champion.
Muhammad feels there are no contenders in the division at the moment, but picked two fighters he wants to go against next. He sat down for a chat with Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen on their podcast to discuss his first title defense. “Yeah honestly that [Shavkat Rakhmonov] would be a perfect matchup… I’m thinking Shavkat and [Kamaru] Usman, they’re both in the same gym. Usman has the legacy, right. He was the guy that Dana White says is better than GSP [former champ and GOAT contender Georges St-Pierre],” were the exact words of the welterweight champion.
Muhammad is willing to fight consistently after winning the title at UFC 304. At 36, he knows there is not much left in the tank and wants to capitalize on most occasions. Who do you think Belal Muhammad should fight next for his first title defense?