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Belal Muhammad declined to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 307, explains Shavkat

According to unbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov, a potential title fight with current gold holder, Belal Muhammad was floated for UFC 307 in Salt Lake City — before the newly-minted champion is alleged to have turned down the matchup.

Muhammad, the current undisputed welterweight gold holder, managed to land the divisional crown in the main event of UFC 304 at the end of July, turning in a dominant unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards in the pair’s title rematch in Manchester, England.

Shavkat Rakhmonov eyes title fight with win at UFC 296 Of course I'm ready
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Bottari – Zuffa LLC

As for Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov, the perfect finisher turned in his eighteenth professional win back in December of last year on the main card of UFC 296, besting former title challenger, Stephen Thompson with a stunning second round rear-naked choke win.