Belal Muhammad surprised many fans at UFC 304 this weekend. He faced Leon Edwards and dominated the fight, winning the welterweight title from the reigning champion in his own territory. Now, the focus is on what’s next for the new champion. Let’s look at his top three options!
The clear choice: Shavkat Rakhmonov
Belal Muhammad’s next opponent seems obvious. Since his UFC debut in 2020, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been incredibly impressive. He has finished every opponent he’s faced in the promotion, showcasing a variety of finishing techniques.
Rakhmonov defeated Stephen Thompson, a fighter never before finished, with a standing rear naked choke. He also beat Geoff Neal with a spinning hook kick followed by ground and pound. Before the UFC, Rakhmonov secured wins through referee stoppages, corner stoppages, body punch finishes, and more.
Belal says he wants Shavkat, Ian Garry and JDM. That’s what I like to hear. Remember when champs used to call out Nate Diaz lol pic.twitter.com/sKEgBaLzAF
— Dan (@BestFightPicks) July 28, 2024
In his post-fight press conference, Muhammad mentioned potential contenders Ian Machado-Garry, Jack Della Maddelena, and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Rakhmonov currently holds the third rank in the division, making him a strong candidate for Muhammad’s first title defense.
Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards 3? Not so fast.
While it’s common to grant champions immediate rematches, the likelihood of Leon Edwards facing Muhammad again is slim. Muhammad ended Edwards’ impressive streak and extended his own unbeaten run. Despite Edwards’ past accomplishments, a rematch may not be on the cards.
The few times Belal Muhammad used his jab pic.twitterp://twitter.com/OGt94OtbDl
— Phantom Punch Breakdowns (@9h6st21_mma) July 26, 2024
Muhammad expressed his reluctance to grant Edwards a rematch after their previous fight ended in a no contest due to an eye poke. Muhammad has worked hard to earn his title shot and now has the authority to choose his opponents. The welterweight division offers several contenders who deserve a shot at the title.
A legacy fight?
What’s crazy to me is that a post-prime no-knees Usman could potentially become a champion again, genuinely think he beats Belal without much difficulty
— JDK (@JDillaThaKilla) July 28, 2024
Despite Kamaru Usman’s recent losing streak, a matchup between him and Belal Muhammad is not out of the question. Usman, a former pound for pound king, has faced tough competition in recent fights. However, for Usman to earn a title shot, he must secure a convincing win in his next bout.
Ultimately, Shavkat Rakhmonov stands out as the most suitable opponent for Belal Muhammad’s first title defense. Other matchups would require more complex justifications.
