A backup fighter has been announced for Rakhmonov's title bout in the UFC.

American fighter Joaquin Buckley (21-6) stated in an interview with MMA Junkie that he is ready to step in as a backup for the championship fight between Kazakhstan's Shavkat Rahmonov (19-0) and American Belal Muhammad (24-3), as reported by Vesti.kz.

This past weekend in Tampa (USA), he defeated his compatriot Colby Covington (17-5).

"I believe I have done enough to fight for the title. And while I know that Rahmonov will be next in line for a title shot, if something happens to either him or Muhammad, if one of them can't make it to the octagon, I am ready to step in. I definitely want to claim the throne in 2025!" Buckley remarked.

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

Their fight was supposed to take place in December, but Belal withdrew from the bout due to health issues.