Islam Makhachev, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege, has been dominating the lightweight scene. He’s got that championship gold wrapped snugly around his waist. But like any ambitious fighter, he’s got his sights set on something bigger – the welterweight title. But that title is held by his teammate Belal Muhammad.
This puts Makhachev’s dream of being a double champ hit a friendly roadblock. But Javier Mendez just dropped a bombshell. He hinted at a potential opponent for Makhachev’s welterweight debut. And it is an undefeated fighter that no one wants to fight: Shavkat Rakhmonov.
“No, no. There are no problems with fighting Shavkat…It’s all up to Islam what he wants, but as far as I know… this fight [against Belal] will not happen,” said Mendez via Ushatayka (translated from Russian)
Shavkat Rakhmonov has been tearing through the welterweight division like a hot knife through butter. Eighteen fights, eighteen wins, and none of those wins ever needed a judge’s approval!
It is not common knowledge, but Rakhmonov has a connection to Team Khabib. He once had the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov in his corner. But this fight is just speculation if Makhachev decided to move to welterweight to try out his luck.
Belal Muhammad Answers Whether He Will Fight Islam Makhachev
Belal Muhammad recently won the welterweight crown at UFC 304. Meanwhile, his buddy Islam Makhachev is sitting pretty as the lightweight champ. But here’s the twist – Makhachev’s got dreams of double champ status. He’s eyeing that welterweight belt.
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So, what will happen now as Muhammad won the title? Will these two friends become foes? Well, Muhammal has got some thoughts on that. He revealed that no matter what, he would never fight Islam Makhachev.
“I would never fight Islam [Makhachev], he’s my brother. So I think for myself maybe there’s two or three guys that are next in line after this fight…and then I have a chance to move up to middleweight,” said Muhammad via MMA Fighting.
Belal Muhammad has got a plan. He suggested they could both move up in weight classes. He is thinking about the future and figures he’s got a few more welterweight contenders to handle. Meanwhile, Makhachev can keep busy in the lightweight division. Then, they both move up and conquer new territories.
Also Read: “There Will Be Judgement”- Islam Makhachev Reacts To Israeli Bombings In Gaza
