Belal Muhammad (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Shavkhat Rakhmonov’s claim the UFC approached him about fighting Belal Muhammad, October 5th, but that the latter turned it down, the welterweight champ has responded.

Recently, Rakhmonov argued that Muhammad was honoring his promise to be an active champ, because he passed on fighting at UFC 307. Muhammad (24-3), who won the welterweight title on July 27th by defeating Leon Edwards, responded with this social media post.

Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I think Shavkat and Usman should fight to find the real number one contender.

Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I think Shavkat and usman should fight to find the real number one contender pic.twitter.com/7fKYMZsqbl

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 30, 2024

Rakhmonov (18-0) has yet to fight in 2024. In his last outing, last December, he submitted Stephen Thompson in the second round.

Usman (20-4) also hasn’t competed this year. In his last fight, which took place in October, 2023, he dropped a middleweight fight to Khamzat Chimaev via majority decision.

UFC 307 is taking place in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will feature light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira versus Khali Rountree in the main event.