Shavkat Rakhmonov claims Kamaru Usman turned him down, shares timeframe for a return

Shavkat Rakhmonov is able to struggle once more after coping with an damage.

Rakhmonov hasn’t fought since final December when he beat Ian Machado Garry by resolution to change into the No. 1 contender at welterweight. He was set to face Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title at UFC 315, however he was pressured out of the bout as a result of an damage.

Since then, Rakhmonov has been rehabbing, and he is aware of he possible will want one other struggle to get a title shot. With that, he desires Kamaru Usman. However he doesn’t assume it is going to occur, as he claimed Usman has turned him down up to now.

Shavkat Rakhmonov eyes Kamaru Usman

“In fact, I would like to struggle for the title subsequent, however I believe this timeline isn’t going to work for Islam, February or March,” Rakhmonov mentioned to Ariel Helwani. “He’ll in all probability defend his belt in April, Might, that point. In fact, if I can struggle Islam subsequent, I’m prepared I can do it. I used to be additionally speculated to struggle for the title, however I had a respectful purpose to not take the chance and I used to be promised a title shot sooner or later.

“Once more, if I’ve to struggle earlier than getting a title shot, I’ve no drawback with that. I can show once more I’m the No. 1 contender. … Essentially the most intriguing struggle for me is Kamaru Usman. However I don’t consider he’s going to just accept a struggle in opposition to me. He’s turned down fights with me up to now.”

A struggle between Rakhmonov and Usman can be a ton of success, particularly if neither will get the title shot. However the undefeated fighter doesn’t anticipate Usman to just accept a bout in opposition to him.

Shavkat Rakhmonov (19-0) is coming off a win over Ian Machado Garry. He’s 7-0 within the UFC and has notable wins over Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny, amongst others.