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UFC president Dana White has recently announced that the promotion is working on a highly anticipated welterweight matchup between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. This announcement has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as both fighters are known for their exceptional skills and exciting fighting styles.
Dana White spoke regarding what might make sense for Muhammad after UFC 286 on Saturday night. Muhammad had been clamoring for something like a matchup versus Colby Covington or possibly the opportunity to conclude some unresolved issues with Leon Edwards following the first battle ended in no result.
Meanwhile, White disclosed that the organization is already planning for Muhammad vs Shavkat Rakhmonov to square off. Belal Muhammad will not receive a championship opportunity as compensation for his nine-fight winning streak; instead, he will face one of the UFC's fiercest and fastest-rising welterweights.
“What’s next for Belal? Rakhmonov — we’re working on it,” White said at the UFC 286 post-fight press conference.
In his last outing, Rakhmonov defeated Geoff Neal to raise his record to 17-0, which includes five consecutive victories in the UFC with a 100% finish rate. Rakhmonov called for his bout versus Covington, however, it now looks like he'll meet Muhammad in a contest between two welterweights with stellar records in the division.
Muhammad, meantime, is currently on a remarkable nine-fight unbeaten run and also is showing up from a crushing victory over the formerly unbeaten Sean Brady. Before that, "Remember the Name" overcame Stephen Thompson and atoned for his humiliation at the hands of Vicente Luque.
If this matchup does come to fruition, it will be a significant opportunity for both fighters to move up the ranks in the welterweight division for becoming the next title contender as Colby Covington is next in line to face Leon Edwards. Although being defeated 2 out of 2 times in a title fight, Chaos has been awarded again with the opportunity.