The UFC champion was referred to as a gift for Rakhmonov.

Coach Said Saparov, who trains the Kazakh fighter at Kill Cliff FC in the USA, analyzed his upcoming match against UFC champion Belal Muhammad, as reported by Shavkat Rakhmonov Vesti.kz.

Currently, Rakhmonov is ranked second in the welterweight division.

"Belal has his pros and cons. The advantage is that technically, stylistically, he is a much better match. This will be a great opportunity for Shavkat. It's almost like a gift. Because he always fights as the aggressor, pushing forward. Shavkat will find it easy to counter, move on his feet, engage, and break him down. That will be exciting. Again, if it goes to grappling, there will be more chances for a submission, to catch him in a choke or an armbar. The downside is that he is not just a boxer who comes forward; he also wrestles. Once they get to the cage, it will be a tough battle," Saparov stated in an interview with "Sport of Schrödinger."

In December, Shavkat won by unanimous decision against Irishman Ian Garry (16-1) and became the top contender for the UFC welterweight title held by Muhammad.

By the way, Rakhmonov was supposed to face Belal in a championship fight, but he withdrew due to health issues.