August 30, 2024 6:00 pm ET
Chael Sonnen thinks Kamaru Usman would possibly be capable of out-campaign Shavkat Rakhmonov for a welterweight title shot.
Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is on a three-fight shedding skid, however the former champ took issue with fans suggesting he’s washed up. Usman has been buying and selling barbs with present UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) and believes he’s a better version of him.
Undefeated Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) mentioned it’s a shame for Usman to try and enter the title picture as he appears to be like to safe his shot. However primarily based on title worth, Sonnen thinks Usman has a case – and it’s now or by no means for him.
“He’s proper there, about to get Belal. I imply, he’s proper there,” Sonnen mentioned on his YouTube channel. “There is just one man even in dialogue that may nudge him out, and that’s Rakhmonov, and it’s wildly necessary that they get this found out. If Rakhmonov nudges him out, there’s in all probability not going to be one other time that Kamaru’s going to be wanted.
“That is the time. He’s bought to beat him. Rakhmonov has bought to shine himself up just a bit bit extra. The UFC, irrespective of how huge it’s and it doesn’t matter what the fan base is, isn’t prepared for a press convention with Muhammad and Rakhmonov, and Kamaru Usman has bought to push that narrative. I’m solely sharing that as a result of he’s this shut, and at one level he didn’t realize it.” After dethroning Leon Edwards to develop into welterweight champion at UFC 304, Muhammad told MMA Junkie that he’s keen to make his first title protection in opposition to both Usman or Rakhmonov.
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