Belal Muhammad recently clinched the UFC welterweight championship, but he is being criticized for dodging fights and not keeping up with his promise to stay active as a titleholder. Tensions flared up between Muhammad and top contender Shavkat Rakhmonov when Muhammad voiced a preference to fight former champ Kamaru Usman instead of Rakhmonov.
Rakhmonov called out Muhammad for rejecting a title bout at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, alleging that Muhammad declined the fight citing timing constraints. Rakhmonov stated that even though he agreed to fight Muhammad, Muhammad wasn’t prepared to defend his title at that time.
Muhammad defended himself by highlighting the short duration between fights, especially since UFC 307 was just 70 days following Muhammad’s last match with Leon Edwards at UFC 304. Nevertheless, Rakhmonov criticized Muhammad for not fulfilling his commitment to being an active champion.
In retaliation, Muhammad pointed out that Rakhmonov hasn’t fought since 2023 and proposed that Rakhmonov face Usman to determine the true top contender. Yet, the ultimate decision rests with Dana White, with Muhammad indicating that White has only mentioned Rakhmonov as the next challenger.
Muhammad shared a doctored image on social media showing Dana White giving him the option to battle Rakhmonov or take a break. Muhammad jokingly labeled the decision as taking the blue pill to confront Rakhmonov with adequate preparation.
