Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov reignite their beef over "selective memory" comment: "Who's tweeting for you bro?"
Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov continue building their rivalry ahead of a potential welterweight title clash.
Earlier this year, Muhammad overcame the critics and dominated Leon Edwards to become the new UFC welterweight champion. For the first time in his career, 'Remember the Name' has a massive target on his back, as every 170-pound contender wants the opportunity to dethrone him.
Dana White hasn't officially announced who Muhammad's first title defense will be against. With that said, many fans have called for number three-ranked Rakhmonov to receive the opportunity, as he holds an undefeated promotional record of 6-0, with all wins inside the distance.
Muhammad and Rakhmonov have engaged in several heated conversations on social media. Earlier this week, the reigning UFC welterweight champion reignited the fire by saying this on X:
"Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I think Shavkat and usman should fight to find the real number one contender"
Rakhmonov responded with the following message:
"Do you have a case of selective memory, or did you just forget that you didn’t fight for 14 months before challenging for the belt?"
Muhammad followed up by accusing someone else of talking for Rakhmonov:
"Selective memory ? Who’s tweeting for you bro there’s no translation for that in Kazakh"
Who should fight Belal Muhammad next for the UFC welterweight title?
Shavkat Rakhmonov holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 18-0, with every win ending inside the distance. The 29-year-old last fought in December 2023, when he defeated Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson by second-round submission (rear-naked choke).
Rakhmonov's entertaining fighting style makes him a primary option for the next welterweight title shot, especially in a division lacking top contenders. Meanwhile, there's an argument that he needs another win due to his last fight being against number nine-ranked 'Wonderboy.'
Rakhmonov could be poised for a number-one contender bout in his next Octagon appearance and two potential opponents make the most sense.
Number one-ranked Leon Edwards arguably deserves an opportunity to secure a title shot. Edwards could prove he's worthy of a rematch against Belal Muhammad by taking out one of the most dangerous fighters in the division (Rakhmonov).
Meanwhile, former champion Kamaru Usman may be matched up against Rakhmonov, depending on the UFC's plans for Edwards. Usman's last short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight, a majority decision loss, showed 'The Nigerian Nightmare' could have another title run left in him.