In the latest UFC news, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s unfortunate withdrawal from UFC 310 due to a foot infection has stirred discussions about the fate of his scheduled opponent, Shavkat Rakhmonov. This unexpected turn of events has left both fans and officials pondering the next steps within the welterweight division. Rakhmonov, who has shown considerable promise, is now in the spotlight as potential matchups are considered. One significant contender being discussed is former champion Kamaru Usman, who may face Rakhmonov for an interim title at the upcoming pay-per-view event on December 7, 2023, in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena.
Rakhmonov’s eagerness to engage in a battle for an interim title indicates his ambition and readiness to rise through the ranks. He has actively pursued the opportunity to fight Usman, aiming to showcase his skills against a well-established competitor. Discussions around the fight have not yielded definitive outcomes yet, as the UFC’s plans are still fluid. The unpredictability of match-making in the wake of injuries underscores the dynamic nature of professional mixed martial arts, where fighter availability can alter trajectories and result in rapid shifts within divisions.
In a recent episode of his podcast “Pound 4 Pound” with Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman addressed the situation, emphasizing his willingness to step in on short notice if contacted by UFC matchmakers. Usman, known for his toughness and competitive spirit, suggested that the UFC knows whom to call when unexpected opportunities arise. He stated, “The UFC is gonna call who they think is gonna be legit tough enough and man enough to step in there on short notice.” Usman’s confidence in his abilities and his past experiences in accepting last-minute fights reinforce his position as a reliable and formidable opponent, especially when the stakes are high.
Usman’s history of stepping in on short notice is remarkable, having accepted a key fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 with only six days’ preparation. Despite the time constraints, Usman showcased his skill set and secured a unanimous decision victory, solidifying his title reign. Additionally, last year, he faced Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight bout with just under two weeks’ notice, although that encounter ended in a majority decision loss. These experiences portray Usman’s readiness to embrace challenges, even under less-than-ideal conditions, marking him as a veteran capable of adapting to high-pressure situations in the octagon.
However, the current reality for Usman is colored by a challenging streak, having suffered three consecutive losses. His latest fight against Chimaev in October 2023 marked his first appearance since a series of title fights against Leon Edwards. Usman faced a brutal knockout loss in their first encounter at UFC 278 and subsequently lost a majority decision in their rematch at UFC 286. The psychological impact of these outcomes raises questions about Usman’s mindset as he contemplates another high-stakes fight against a rising star like Rakhmonov. It’s crucial to consider whether Usman can regain his confidence and reestablish himself within the elite ranks of the division.
As the clock ticks down towards UFC 310, uncertainty hangs in the air regarding the potential clash between Rakhmonov and Usman. For Rakhmonov, a fight with Usman not only provides an opportunity for an interim title but could also serve as a platform to solidify his status as a top contender. Conversely, for Usman, accepting this fight could be a defining moment to reclaim momentum in his career, potentially paving the way to a title shot if he prevails. As the UFC navigates the intricacies of matchmaking amid injuries and fighter availability, fans can only speculate on how this situation will unfold, emphasizing the unpredictable yet thrilling nature of the sport.
