Shavkat Rahmonov believes he is the clear favorite to be in the next UFC welterweight title fight and believes Kamaru Usman should be ashamed to even be competing for the title.
The welterweight title recently changed hands when Belal Muhammad defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision at UFC 304 in Manchester in July, with Rahmonov, Usman, Jack Della Maddalena and Edwards among the likely contenders to challenge Muhammad next.
But Rakhmonov clearly sees himself as the most deserving contender, with all 18 of his wins so far coming by stoppage, six of which have come at UFC, although others are close.
“UFC thinks I’m the No. 1 contender and should be next,” Rakhmonov told Submission Radio. [other]
Either way, I’m the obvious candidate. I’ve had a 100% finish rate and 100% wins in the UFC, so I should be next. Everyone else. [is] Belal is also very close, but I think he needs two or three wins to get a shot at the title. So it should be me next… I’m always ready. So by the end of the year or whenever UFC schedules this fight and Belal is ready. Whether it’s this year or early next year, I don’t care. I’m ready to win this belt and bring it back to Kazakhstan.”
Rahmonov recently compared the two fighters’ track records and dismissed Usman’s challenge for a title fight.
18-0, 100% finish, or 0-3 in the last 3 fights. I don’t think there’s any question who’s going to be fighting for the title next 🤫
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994)
August 23, 2024
Rahmonov reiterated his position, saying it was shameful for Usman to ask for a title fight during a three-fight losing streak.
“What is [Usman’s] “When you think about it, it’s kind of embarrassing asking for a title fight after losing three fights in a row… I don’t understand it, but, well, that’s the way it is.”
