Why Belal Muhammad prefers title defense vs. Rakhmonov over Usman

Belal Muhammad has zeroed in on who he desires for his first title protection.

Welterweight champion Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has been trading barbs with former champion Kamaru Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC), however admits a struggle in opposition to undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) does extra for his profession.

Usman has misplaced two straight title fights to Leon Edwards, adopted by a majority choice to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Though Usman is broadly thought of one of many best welterweights of all time, Muhammad sees Rakhmonov as a greater choice.

“For me now, I’d slightly or not it’s Shavkat,” Muhammad advised Kevin Iole. “I believe he has extra aura. He has the undefeated (half) about him. There’s no excuses after beating him. If I am going on the market and beat Usman, Usman’s on a three-fight shedding streak. He’s previous. He’s on his approach out.

“I believe he wants one other win to get within the combine and present that he’s nonetheless hungry, to point out that he nonetheless has tread on the tires. However I would like Shavkat extra. You take a look at the opposite guys, Ian (Machado Garry) isn’t even calling for it. (Jack Della Maddalena), I believe he’s nonetheless harm. I believe it could be between Shavkat and Usman, and between these two, Shavkat makes extra sense.”

Muhammad desires to construct an plain legacy at welterweight, and is prepared to knock off each rising contender to show his value.

“The objective was all the time gold. Now, it’s what’s the following factor you wish to chase?” Muhammad stated. “Now I wish to be the GOAT of the welterweights. I wish to chase (Georges St-Pierre). Now I wish to chase that aura, being on that Mount Rushmore.

“While you consider the most effective welterweights, I wish to be up there with these guys. To try this, I’m going to wish some title defenses. To try this, I’m going to should beat quite a lot of the youthful guys that they’re saying are higher than me.”