Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has declared his readiness to face Shavkhat Rakhmonov at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 7, 2024, following champion Belal Muhammad’s withdrawal due to a foot infection, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian Nightmare’s availability comes as UFC officials search for a replacement opponent for the undefeated Rakhmonov, with discussions ongoing on a potential interim title fight.
“The UFC will identify who they believe can handle that challenge and perform well under those circumstances. If they call me, I’ll be ready to discuss everything and see if we can make it happen. I embrace those kinds of opportunities,” Usman said during his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo.
The 37-year-old former champion boasts impressive credentials with a professional record of 20 wins and four losses, including 15 victories in the UFC octagon.
This wouldn’t be Usman’s first short-notice challenge. In July 2020, he successfully defended his title against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 251 with just six days’ preparation. More recently, he stepped in on less than two weeks’ notice to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 last year, though he suffered a majority decision loss.
The Auchi-born fighter is currently experiencing a challenging period in his career, riding a three-fight losing streak. His last appearance was the October 2023 bout against Chimaev, following consecutive losses to Leon Edwards—a fifth-round knockout defeat that cost him his belt at UFC 278 and a majority decision loss in their trilogy fight at UFC 286.
While Rakhmonov has expressed interest in facing the former champion, UFC officials have yet to reach out to Usman’s team regarding the potential matchup.
Should the bout materialise, it would offer Usman an opportunity to snap his losing streak and potentially position himself for another title shot in the welterweight division.
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