Don't underestimate Belal! The world champion from Kazakhstan has issued a warning to Rakhmonov.

A well-known expert, Honored Master of Sports and five-time world champion in MMA, made a statement regarding the match-up between the Kazakh fighter (19-0) and the champion in the welterweight division (24-3-0-1). In an interview with a correspondent, he explained the dangers posed by the current titleholder.

"Everyone has already prematurely crowned Shavkat, but I wouldn't do that because Belal is a very stubborn guy. He has worked hard to achieve his victory, and unlike Dvalishvili, he has found the keys to extend his championship. Not just to walk around and 'show off' with the belt, resting on his laurels, but to continue training with Khabib's team, gaining dividends from working with the best team in the world - with top wrestlers and solid strikers.

When people say that Shavkat's striking is better than Islam's or Belal's, that's a debatable point. Perhaps in one specific component he is better, but in terms of mixing styles, he could be worse. There is always a clash of styles, so the math in MMA doesn't really apply. Shavkat should not underestimate Belal; he is very determined, has good stamina, and translates well. In his fight with Sean Brady, he demonstrated that he can strike and knock out. He is improving and has no intention of relinquishing his championship, making it very difficult to take that belt from him.

Therefore, I advocate waiting for the fight first. Shavkat will need to prepare well for it, trying to take the belt. But I wouldn't put that crown on him just yet. Nevertheless, I give Shavkat a better chance of winning," Makhmetov concluded.

It is worth noting that Rakhmonov and Muhammad were supposed to fight at the tournament in December 2024. However, due to health issues, the champion had to withdraw, and Rakhmonov ultimately secured a victory over the Irishman (15-1). Now, it is expected that their rematch will be organized in the first half of 2025.