Rakhmonov Emerges as Top Betting Choice Against Muhammad in UFC Welterweight Title Contest
Following his victory against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310's co-main event, Shavkat Rakhmonov called out UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad for a staredown. Although it's not an official matchup yet, all signs point towards Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov as the next welterweight title fight. Let's examine the early betting odds and shifts for this potential showdown.
Muhammad and Rakhmonov were initially scheduled to face off at UFC 310, but Muhammad was forced to withdraw due to a toe bone infection. Rakhmonov ventured into the octagon with a 19-0 record, challenging Garry to replace Muhammad in the PPV event's main card.
Rakhmonov emerged victorious, defeating Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 310. This was his first fight that went to the scorecards in his entire 19-fight career, consisting mainly of knockouts or submissions. Before reaching UFC 310, Rakhmonov had not made it past the third round in any of his UFC bouts, which began in October 2020 with a first-round submission win against Alex Oliveira.
At UFC 310, Rakhmonov was a clear betting favorite, with odds set at -400.
Similarly, Garry boasted an unblemished record and entered UFC 310. However, his loss was the first setback in his career. His current record stands at 15-1.
Before his victory at UFC 310, Rakhmonov ranked as the No. 3 fighter in the official UFC welterweight rankings.
Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov Betting Odds
After UFC 310, Betonline listed Rakhmonov as a -200 betting favorite over Muhammad. The UFC welterweight champ was, in turn, listed as a +170 betting underdog.
Dana White on Rakhmonov vs. Garry
Following Rakhmonov's win at UFC 310, UFC CEO Dana White commented on the bout.
"You saw some fantastic things from both fighters during that match," White said at UFC 310's post-fight press conference. "Thank goodness it was a five-round fight. Five rounds was the perfect way to conduct that fight."
Belal Muhammad on Rakhmonov vs. Garry
"In the immortal words of Georges St-Pierre, I was not impressed," Muhammad stated after UFC 310. "Shavkat, as soon as we set a date, you'll see the outcome: 'and still.' I don't care who it's against. All the fans out there, get ready to see this face with the title belt for an extended period. Embrace it."
Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov Betting Odds Movement
The betting lines for the potential UFC welterweight title fight have already shifted. By Monday, December 9, Rakhmonov's odds had dropped to -160, while Muhammad's odds increased to +175.
Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov Fight Date?
As of yet, the date for the UFC welterweight title fight has not been determined. However, Muhammad has expressed interest in avoiding competing during Ramadan, which is projected to start on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on the evening of Sunday, March 30, 2025. We will update the odds and betting movements as soon as the UFC officially announces a date for the Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov bout.
After UFC 310, Belal Muhammad called out Shavkat Rakhmonov for a title fight, with odds initially placing Rakhmonov as a clear favorite. Despite being forced to withdraw from their initial scheduled fight due to an injury, Muhammad expressed interest in avoiding competing during Ramadan for the potential title match. The betting odds have shifted since UFC 310, with Rakhmonov's odds dropping to -160 and Muhammad's odds increasing to +175 as of December 9. Dana White praised both fighters following UFC 310, while Muhammad expressed confidence in retaining his title against Rakhmonov. [ufc odds, ufc betting, belal muhammad, ufc welterweight title, dana white, ufc 310, shavkat rakhmonov, ufc]
