Shavkat Rakhmonov Seeks UFC 310 Interim Title Fight Against Kamaru Usman

Rakhmonov's Journey to UFC 310 At just 30 years old, Shavkat Rakhmonov has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC welterweight division. His last appearance in the octagon was at UFC 296, where he delivered a stunning second-round victory over the seasoned Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson via rear-naked choke. This victory not only showcased Rakhmonov's grappling prowess but also positioned him as a top contender for the welterweight title. With the recent developments surrounding Muhammad's injury, Rakhmonov is eager to seize the opportunity to fight for the interim title. The Impact of Belal Muhammad's Injury Belal Muhammad's recent bone infection has thrown a wrench into the UFC's plans for a year-end title fight. Although he was set to defend his title against Rakhmonov, the injury has left the division in limbo. Rakhmonov is acutely aware of the uncertainty surrounding Muhammad's return, stating, "This kind of injury, infection, they might say six weeks but look at JDM (Jack Della Maddalena), it's taken him a lot longer." As the welterweight division waits for clarity on Muhammad's recovery timeline, Rakhmonov is pushing for a fight that would not only keep him active but also crown a new interim champion. A Call for Kamaru Usman In his recent appearance on Uncrowned's "The Ariel Helwani Show," Rakhmonov expressed confidence in Kamaru Usman as a worthy opponent for an interim title fight. He stated, "I believe there is a worthy opponent available. I'm ready to save the card if it's for the interim belt. I believe Usman is the worthy opponent who is going to be ready to jump in to face me." This assertion not only highlights Rakhmonov's readiness to compete but also underscores the potential for an electrifying matchup between two elite fighters.

In his own words, Rakhmonov emphasized the urgency for a title fight: "I just know I'm worthy and deserve the chance for the interim belt because we don't know when Belal is going to be back." His determination to fight for the interim title reflects both his personal ambitions and the broader dynamics of the welterweight division. As the UFC gears up for UFC 310, the potential for an interim title fight between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman adds an intriguing layer to the welterweight division. With Muhammad's injury casting uncertainty over the title picture, Rakhmonov's eagerness to step in and compete ensures that fans will have plenty to look forward to in the coming months. Whether the matchup with Usman comes to fruition or not, one thing is clear: Rakhmonov is ready to make his mark in the UFC, and the welterweight division is poised for an exciting showdown.