Surging UFC lightweight believes Belal Muhammad “will make it look easy” against Shavkat Rakhmonov following UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad are expected to clash for the welterweight title in 2025 following the Kazakh fighter's UFC 310 win on Dec. 7. He faced Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event, an official title eliminator, and secured victory via unanimous decision.
Rakhmonov extended his unbeaten record to 19-0. However, he saw to the judges' scorecards for the first time in his career, as 'Nomad' won his first 18 fights, all via stoppage.
Given the 30-year-old's career dominance, Garry stated following the result that he had shown Rakhmonov to be beatable. Furthermore, the Irishman shared that he did not feel he had lost the fight despite being on the wrong side of the scorecards.
There are feelings that UFC 310 proved that the undefeated title contender can be beaten, with surging lightweight contender Renato Moicano being one of those people. He was recently interviewed by Ariel Helwnai, where the Brazilian discussed Muhammad's expected clash with Rakhmonov, saying this:
"My money is on Belal Muhammad... I think Shavkat is not the boogeyman like they said. I think Belal Muhammad will make it look easy... Who is the best fighter that [Garry and Rakhomonv] have faced? Probably Geoff Neal, they both fought Geoff Neal... [Rakhmonov] looked good because he finished all his fights. But Belal Muhammad is good at what he does."
Watch Moicano discuss Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov below (12:00):
Daniel Cormier reveals major injury Shavkat Rakhmonov suffered ahead of UFC 310
Shavkat Rakhmonov successfully maintained his undefeated record against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, but for the first time since entering the octagon, he appeared vulnerable to his opponent's attacks.
In Round 5 of their clash, the Irishman secured his opponent's back and appeared close to locking in a rear-naked choke. But the Kazakh fighter rallied and was able to fight his way back to his feet before being awarded a decision victory.
With many believing that Rakhmonov's mystique had faded, UFC commentator Daniel Cormier shared a fascinating insight into the welterweight contender's injury status entering his bout with Garry.
Following UFC 310, Cormier said this on his YouTube channel:
"Rakhmonov did not look like himself. Even though I learned after that he had an injury, I think he might have torn his MCL going into the fight. Granted, with a torn ligament in your knee, you're not going to look like the killer that you looked like in fights prior."
Watch Daniel Cormier discuss Shavkat Rakhmonov's injury below (6:15):