"This fight needs to happen" - Fans react as Shavkat Rakhmonov names who he would like to fight at UFC 310 for the interim title

MMA fans recently vocalized their thoughts about Shavkat Rakhmonov's preferred rival for UFC 310. Lots of them backed the Kazakh fighter's choice to lock horns with one of the former welterweight champions at the UFC 310 main event.

A few days back Rakhmonov's scheduled UFC 310 rival, Belal Muhammad, announced his withdrawal from the fight due to a bone infection on his foot.

Since then, multiple UFC welterweights have expressed their wish to fill Muhammad's spot at UFC 310. However, 'Nomad's' recent appearance at The Ariel Helwani Show' revealed that he would love to fight the former welterweight champ, Kamaru Usman, at UFC 310 with the interim welterweight gold on the line.

A post on X from @ChampRDS highlighted Rakhmonov's manager translating his words about Usman being his preferred rival for UFC 310:

"I believe there is [a] worthy opponent available [to fight against at UFC 310]. I'm ready to save the card too. If it's for the interim belt, I believe Usman is a worthy opponent who would also be ready to jump in to face me."

Check out Shavkat Rakhmonov's comments below:

Lots of fans expressed their desire to witness the Usman vs. Rakhmonov encounter in the comments section. One such comment read:

"This fight needs to happen. I wonder if Usman has been training/is healthy"

Others penned:

"I think it’s a good fight to make, then winner fights Belal a couple months later."

"Great matchup if it does get booked"

"This fight needs to happen"

"Really, I am waiting for this fight"

Check out a few more reactions:

Fans reactions. [Screeshots courtesy: @ChampRDS on X]

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Belal Muhammad doesn't see any sense behind Shavkat Rakhmonov's call for an interim title fight at UFC 310

Currently, it isn't clear if the UFC authorities will respect Shavkat Rakhmonov's desire to introduce an interim title for the UFC 310. However, the undisputed welterweight champ, Belal Muhammad, doesn't see any reason for the introduction of an interim title due to his absence.

Generally, interim titles are introduced to keep the division moving if the undisputed champion goes on a prolonged hiatus due to some reason or other. Muhammad recently appeared on Jon Anik's podcast and opined that the timeline of his hiatus doesn't necessarily require the introduction of an interim title. Muhammad said:

"I could see them [UFC] trying to do something with Shavkat, but he's calling for an interim title fight, and I'm like, 'Interim title fight? Bro, it's six weeks, not six months that I'm off'."

Check out Belal Muhammad's comments below (19:04):