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Shavkat Rakhmonov dismisses Kamaru Usman’s title shot hopes, issues warning to Belal Muhammad

Unbeaten welterweight challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains hopeful of securing his own championship charge against the undisputed gold holder, Belal Muhammad next — claiming former champion, Kamaru Usman really has no claim to a challenge amid his three-fight losing skid.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently featured at UFC 296 back in December of last year, becoming the first fighter to finish former title challenger, Stephen Thompson with a submission — landing a rear-naked choke success.

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

Shavkat Rakhmonov issues warning to both Kamaru Usman and Belal Muhammad

The victory came as Uzbekistan native, Rakhmonov’s eighteenth consecutively — all by way of finish, and off the back of Muhammad’s title coronation at UFC 304 earlier this summer, he wants to land himself a title challenge next, ahead of former pound-for-pound number one, Usman.