Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov have unfinished business at UFC
Mohammed last acted at UFC 315 in Montreal earlier this month. The Palestinian American was matched with Australian candidate Jack Della Maddalena in the main event. He ultimately lost the Australian welterweight title by decision. It was a tough loss, but it didn’t change his position as one of the top welterweights in the UFC. Before he retreated, he was riding in incredible victories, including victory over Leon Edwards, Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady and Stephen Thompson. He definitely needs time to recover from the war at UFC 315, but the return in October gives him plenty of time to do it.
For Shavkat Rakhmonov things have become complicated. The undefeated Kazakh star finished 18 of 19 professional victories. He has been considered a top candidate for welterweight for some time. In fact, he was supposed to challenge Muhammad for the belt last year. However, Muhammad escaped from the fight with an injury and left Rakmonov to defeat Ian Machado Garry by decision. That victory appeared to cement Rakmonov as the number one contender. However, he was later injured himself.
At the same time, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is currently heading towards welterweight. He is expected to challenge Della Madalena for a second belt in his first fight at 170 pounds. With Makhachev jumping over the line and Rakhmonov getting injured, the UFC has decided clearly that Kazakh would need another victory to solidify his point into the title shot.
It seems he will have a chance against Muhammad this fall. This is probably when the UFC returns to the Middle East.
