Shavkat Rakhmonov takes aim at Kamaru Usman's title aspirations: "No question who fights next for the title”

Shavkat Rakhmonov has dismissed the notion that former champion Kamaru Usman should fight for the welterweight title next. Usman is currently ranked No.2 in the division, and with No.1-ranked Leon Edwards having lost the belt to Belal Muhammad at UFC 304, 'The Nigerian Nightmare' is technically next in line.

But Rakhmonov has steamrolled his way through the 170-pound division since his debut against Alex Oliveira at UFC 254 in 2020. 'Nomad' has a stunning record of 18-0, with all 18 victories coming via finish - 10 via submission and 8 via KO.

He currently occupies the No.3 ranking at welterweight, and many believe he is the rightful challenger to Muhammad's throne.

A recent post on X indicated that Usman may be training for a title fight against 'Remember The Name', which caused the champion to share a trolling response.

It appears that the surging undefeated welterweight contender caught wind of the rumors that 'The Nigerian Nightmare' may fight for the title next. He took to highlighting that the former champion has lost his previous three bouts, two of which were against Edwards and most recently against Khamzat Chimaev.

"18-0 with 100% finishes or 0-3 in the last three fights. I think there should be no question who fights next for the title."

See Shavkat Rakhmonov's post below:

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Shavkat Rakhmonov sends Belal Muhammad a message after dominating Leon Edwards

Belal Muhammad surprised many who watched the UFC 304 main event clash with Leon Edwards. The title-challenger-turned-champion dominated 'Rocky' en route to a unanimous decision win.

Having previously faced off at UFC Vegas 21 in 2021, where Edwards dominated Muhammad until an unfortunate eye-poke ended the fight, there was an expectation that their UFC 304 clash would play out the same way.

But 'Remember The Name' put on a career-best performance in enemy territory, with the bout taking place in Edwards' adopted home country of England.

Whilst there were brief discussions about a potential rematch between the pair, it appears that 'Rocky' will not receive another title shot as of yet, with Shavkat Rakhmonov the most likely candidate.

Following Muhammad's title win, the undefeated welterweight contender took to X to share a message with the new champion, writing this:

"Congratulations on your well deserved victory, @bullyb170! I hope you keep your word and defend your title against me when you're ready, champ.."

See Shavkat Rakhmonov's post below: