Louis Taylor believes that in order for Shavkat Rakhmonov to beat Belal Muhammad, he will have to secure a finish. Rakhmonov holds an impressive 100 percent finish rate in his MMA career, but Muhammad’s head coach warns of Muhammad’s relentless pace and cardio. Taylor emphasizes the importance of putting Muhammad away early, as the longer the fight goes on, the more dangerous Muhammad becomes.
Potential Title Defenses and Challengers
Taylor envisions Rakhmonov as a potential first title defense for Muhammad, should he secure the win. He also notes that former champion Kamaru Usman is in the running for a title shot, with a rivalry brewing between Usman and Muhammad. Taylor acknowledges the merits of both fighters, with Usman excelling in the numbers game and Rakhmonov having the potential to make a legacy-defining move by taking out an undefeated fighter.
Scheduling the Fight
Muhammad reportedly rejected an October return for his first title defense, a decision Taylor understands given the quick turnaround after his title win. Taylor suggests a fight in November or December would be more suitable for Muhammad, allowing him to rest and prepare adequately for his next challenge. He highlights the importance of timing in fight scheduling, especially after a long layoff like the one Muhammad experienced between fights.
Taylor’s analysis sheds light on the critical factors at play in a potential matchup between Rakhmonov and Muhammad. The significance of securing a finish early in the fight, the looming presence of Usman as a contender, and the importance of strategic fight scheduling all play crucial roles in the outcome of this anticipated title defense.