Louis Taylor believes that for Shavkat Rakhmonov to defeat Belal Muhammad, he'll need to find a way to finish him, plain and simple. Rakhmonov, who boasts an impressive record of 18-0 in MMA and 6-0 in the UFC, might be Muhammad's first title defense. While Rakhmonov has a 100% finish rate, Taylor, Muhammad's head coach, is quick to point out the challenges that Rakhmonov will face if he doesn't get the job done early.
Belal's Pace and Cardio: A Tough Nut to Crack
"Gas tank is going to be a factor, and I think we beat him 3-2 or 4-1," Taylor shared with Sportskeeda, emphasizing Muhammad's relentless pace and cardio. "Shavkat's a finisher, and he's good at it. But if you don't put Belal out of there, he's going to keep coming." It's clear that Taylor is confident in Muhammad's ability to go the distance, and he's not underestimating the importance of cardio in a grueling five-round fight. If Rakhmonov can't finish Muhammad, Taylor predicts that his fighter's stamina and relentless pressure will make the difference in a close fight.
The Usman Factor: A Wild Card in the Mix
Adding another layer of intrigue to this scenario is former champion Kamaru Usman, who has also been eyeing a title shot. Usman, with a 20-4 record in MMA and 15-3 in the UFC, has been engaged in a war of words with Muhammad, making him another potential contender for Muhammad's first title defense. Taylor, however, seems less enthusiastic about Usman's challenge. "I mean, I would prefer 'no-knees' Usman," Taylor said, referencing Usman's well-documented knee issues. "But no, no, no. Both of those guys are well deserving and well respected. Again, if you go for the numbers game, it's Usman. If you go for the legacy game, taking someone's 0, it would be Shavkat."
Taylor is aware of the different narratives that each potential matchup would bring. While Usman offers a clash of legacies, taking on an unbeaten Rakhmonov would represent a different kind of challenge—a chance to take the zero off an up-and-coming star's record.
Timing is Everything: The Waiting Game
Rakhmonov has been vocal about his eagerness to face Muhammad, but scheduling has been a sticking point. Rakhmonov told MMA Fighting that Muhammad turned down an October return, something that the champion had ruled out from the beginning. Muhammad, who recently claimed the title by dominating Leon Edwards at UFC 304, has been in no rush to make his first defense. According to Taylor, a short wait after October might be ideal for Muhammad to step back into the octagon.
"If you watch Belal's career, the year or whatever it was spat that we had to wait from the Gilbert Burns fight until the Leon fight, that was literally the longest layoff Belal has ever had," Taylor noted. "It made me nervous stepping up from such a long layoff into such a high-caliber bout." This highlights the importance of timing for Taylor and Muhammad. A long layoff can be a double-edged sword, offering time for recovery and preparation, but also potentially leading to rust and hesitation in the cage.
Possible Dates for Muhammad's First Defense
Taylor suggests that November or December would be the optimal time for Muhammad's first title defense. "I think we should fight in November, December. That would be great." This timeline would give Muhammad adequate time to prepare, ensuring he's at his best physically and mentally to defend his belt.
The Stakes Are High: Legacy, Numbers, and the Battle of Styles
The fight between Rakhmonov and Muhammad isn't just about a title; it's about contrasting styles and legacies. On one hand, you have Rakhmonov, the relentless finisher with a perfect record and a penchant for ending fights inside the distance. On the other, Muhammad, the grinder with an iron will, unmatched cardio, and a game plan that wears opponents down over five rounds.
Exciting Elements to Watch Out For:
- Rakhmonov's Finishing Ability: With a perfect record and all wins by finish, Rakhmonov is a threat from every angle—striking, submissions, you name it.
- Muhammad's Cardio and Pace: If the fight goes into the championship rounds, Muhammad's endurance could turn the tide.
- The Wild Card - Kamaru Usman: Don't count out the former champ, whose experience and skills make him a perennial threat in the division.
Conclusion: Can Rakhmonov Handle Muhammad's Pressure?
Taylor's insights suggest a battle that will test the limits of both fighters. If Rakhmonov can maintain his perfect finish rate, it will be a statement win that puts the entire division on notice. But if Muhammad can drag him into deep waters and force him to go the distance, it could be a long night for the unbeaten challenger.
The anticipation for Muhammad's first title defense is palpable, whether it's against a proven champion like Usman or a dangerous finisher like Rakhmonov. One thing is clear: whoever steps into the cage with Muhammad will need to be ready for a war of attrition. For Taylor and Muhammad, the game plan is simple but far from easy—make sure the opponent's cardio can't keep up, and when they fade, turn up the heat.
With both legacy and unbeaten records on the line, Muhammad's first title defense promises to be a must-watch event that could set the tone for the welterweight division for years to come. Will Rakhmonov's finish streak continue, or will Muhammad's relentless pace and cardio prove too much? One thing's for sure—fight fans are in for a treat when these two finally meet in the octagon.
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