Usman Ready to Face Rakhmonov After Muhammad’s Withdrawal

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has expressed his readiness to fight Shavkhat Rakhmonov at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 7, 2024, after champion Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a foot infection.

Usman’s availability comes as UFC officials are looking for a replacement opponent for the undefeated Rakhmonov, with discussions ongoing about the possibility of an interim title fight. Usman stated, “The UFC will choose someone they believe can handle the challenge. If they call me, I’ll be ready to discuss everything and see if we can make it happen. I welcome those kinds of opportunities.”

At 37, the Nigerian Nightmare has an impressive record of 20 wins and four losses, including 15 victories in the UFC octagon. This wouldn’t be his first short-notice fight; in July 2020, Usman

UFC 294: Chimaev inflicts third defeat on Usman

successfully defended his title against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 with only six days of preparation. More recently, he stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, though he lost via majority decision.

Currently on a three-fight losing streak, Usman’s last bout was against Chimaev in October 2023, following losses to Leon Edwards a knockout loss at UFC 278 that cost him his title and a majority decision loss at UFC 286.

While Rakhmonov has shown interest in facing Usman, UFC officials have not yet reached out to Usman’s team about the potential matchup. If the fight happens, it would give Usman the chance to break his losing streak and possibly earn another shot at the welterweight title.