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The UFC welterweight division is heating up as reigning champion Belal Muhammad is reportedly set to defend his title against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov later this year. Even though an official date is still being confirmed, several sources suggest that the matchup will happen in October.
Muhammad clinched the welterweight title against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, showing strength to the top of the division. Because of his smart tactics and constant pressure, Muhammad is entering the fight with high confidence. The champion has made no secret of how he views his next challenger.
“When you’re fighting a guy like Shavkat, where they put him on this pedestal as this undefeated crazy guy, I see holes in his game the same way I saw holes in Leon’s game,” Muhammad said in a recent interview. He added that Rakhmonov’s record does not intimidate him and that his pressure-heavy style will be the key to breaking the Kazakh fighter both mentally and physically.
Rakhmonov, in contrast, has never lost professionally and is seen as a top finisher in the division. His win over Ian Garry—his latest fight—was the first time he went three rounds in the UFC. His win ensured he did not lose his perfect record, though some observers still wondered how he would manage in a five-round match against a fighter who slowly tires out his rivals.
UFC officials have announced that the matchup is very important to them, and both teams have agreed to try to make it happen in 2025. The championship is equally as important as controlling what happens beyond the division.
Since the sport is expanding so fast, the Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov match is starting to get people excited on the internet and social media. Both supporters and experts are looking into various approaches, reviewing old matches and predicting results. The trend is extending to sports betting too, where digital currency has become important.
Online betting platforms have increasingly embraced cryptocurrency as a payment method, offering users faster transaction speeds, enhanced privacy, and decentralized access. As a result, using a crypto sportsbook has become a preferred option for MMA fans, especially in the lead-up to major events. For the upcoming Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov bout, several crypto betting site operators have already released odds and are accepting wagers. Rakhmonov has generally opened as the slight favorite, though odds are expected to fluctuate as the fight draws closer and public sentiment shifts.
Industry insiders are projecting high betting volume for this fight, given the reputations of both competitors and the volatility that often accompanies closely matched bouts. With a combined record that includes finishes, decision wins, and strategic dominance, both fighters bring diverse skill sets and fan appeal to the table. These factors make the fight not just a potential highlight of the UFC calendar but also a key driver of sportsbook activity in the combat sports sector.
Many pay-per-view fans are looking forward to the main event, mainly due to the worldwide following of both fighters. Based in Chicago, the Palestinian-American Muhammad has won many admirers by being outspoken and getting involved with the community. Rakhmonov is fast making a name for himself in Central Asia within the MMA world.
There is also a more general meaning connected to how the fight turns out. If Muhammad holds on to his belt, he will have proven he can win and will headline the top pound-for-pound ratings in the company. But if Rakhmonov wins, it would maintain his undefeated record and open the door to a new era at welterweight.
Furthermore, after this fight, the winner may face the current lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, who has suggested moving up to fight for the title. An event like this would be noticed worldwide and support the UFC’s divisions below 155 pounds.
Whether it ends in another grinding decision or a sudden finish, Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov promises to be a fight that shapes the trajectory of the division for years to come.
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