UFC 310 Preview: Shavkat Rakhmonov will be Belal Muhammad’s ‘toughest test to date’ - Jouban

Dan Hellie, Michael Chiesa and Alan Jouban discuss the recently announced card for UFC 310 on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas with welterweight champ Belal Muhammad defending his belt for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov. In the co-main event, Kai Asakura will make his Octagon debut against flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja.
#UFC310 #UFC #MMA
✔ For more UFC, sign up for ESPN+ espnplus.com/uf...
✔ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/es...
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBE...
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
✔ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV

[@mr.policeman6129]

Respect for Belal for not ducking Shavkat. He is fighting the best guy in Shavkat. Much respect.

[@Jefe-qh8kd]

He knoes how overrated Shavkat is

[@Yeshuaspupil]

UFC didnt give him a choice, they wanna go ahead and get the belt off of his boring azz.

[@markwahlberg9358]

He just hasn't another way

[@ninteniimelonjuice]

Belal is a real Champion for taking this fight. Merab is offering O'Malley a rematch in November at UFC 309, but can't fight Umar until Mars (because he knows its' Ramadan)? Merab is a scared little punk!

[@KhaloodZizo]

​@@Yeshuaspupilkeep crying with your boyfriends

[@amirhghar6156]

Respect to belal for taking this fight. True warrior. To be the best, you got to beat the best.

[@412pgh2]

He aint got a choice lol.

[@uh3331]

@@412pgh2there was usman as a choice to buddy

[@bekarare]

He was choosing Kamaru. He was saying Kamaru is better for his legacy and so on. Then it was decided for him

[@TheBrittenMiles]

Shavkat is taking the belt 🏆 🏆 🏆

[@tarunp7864]

Even Belal is Shavkat's toughest test

[@Khadersheriff]

Yup, he struggled in his last fight

[@viktorcheng2061]

@@Khadersheriffhe choked out Wonderboy how did he struggle?😂

[@Fitkid7672]

This will be a tough test for both guys no doubt..

[@tarunp7864]

@@viktorcheng2061 I think he meant for Geoff Neal Anyway, Shavkat is having his first 5 round experience now. It might get tough for him Because, "Decision beats power and Time limit beats speed" 😅😅😅

[@Sam-vlog123-m4c]

​@@tarunp7864neal put a beating on belal if you remember

[@parasstone8414]

Alex periera who came late than kamzat is already 2 Division UFC champion and defended his title 3 times and shavkat who also came late is now fighting for title and kamzat isn't even no.1 title contendor due to inactivity.

[@Khadersheriff]

If he gets a KO or sub against Whitekar, he will get the titleshot contract before leaving that arena.

[@Targaryen999]

@@Khadersheriffесли конечно он выйдет на бой😂

[@parasstone8414]

@@Khadersheriff yeah that's why i said he has yet to earn it

[@duramaxdad]

Alex has over delivered while Khamzat has fell victim to the common cold. I think Till rubbed off on KC and naturally injuries follow.

[@Niko-ys9ie]

Periera also only had three MMA fights before fighting for a belt. Not exactly fair to compare it when Alex clearly went to the top quicker because of the past history with Izzy

[@astrodax2753]

Remember when Leon dismissed Belal as a legitimate contender and in the same interview said he would like to fight Conor? Belal is a real one. He could've asked to fight Colby or Usman but he's one of a few current champions to not try to weasel out of fighting the top contender for easy fights like Leon Jones Topuria and others

[@Sim0n98]

Leon ultimately did fight Beal though so it doesn’t matter.

[@astrodax2753]

@@Sim0n98 i mean it does matter bc he delayed Belal's career as a champion by seven months fighting undeserving Colby, but regardless of that, it still matters imo bc when you want to avoid contenders it shows that even you don't think that you actually the best

[@lOl-yh9zs]

man shut up 😂😂😂

[@SpyroTek]

@@astrodax2753 Leon didn't ask for Colby, he was given Colby.

[@astrodax2753]

@@SpyroTek this's exactly my point actually. He and Topuria dismissed every possible fighter in their division including top contenders (Belal/Max) and undeserving like Colby, then they called out Conor who's not in their division and doesn't even fight.

[@JGD185]

Shavkhat is the future. That man gives me chills.

[@AndresMartinez-zo5lk]

I had 500 wager Belal beating Leon. Now I have 500 wager Shavkat beating Belal. I like Belal but Shavkat is at another level

[@brijor6ff7]

@AndresMartinez-zo5lk I like Shavkat, but this fight will be closer than people think.

[@elijahlogan3555]

Another level based on what ? He hasn’t fought anyone in the top 5 rankings at welterweight

[@Triumphantchild]

@@elijahlogan3555Who did Islam beat before he fought Oliveira? Who did Jones beat before he fought Shogun. Just because you’ve beaten better competition than someone doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll beat them.

[@asharpbrotha4324]

Your WILD!!!!!! you better put that bet on belal. I'm calling it now he's beating shavkat

[@nicolaspetit-jr4vv]

Shavkat IS a monster

[@ahmadismail9593]

Belals a bad boy for taking this fight

[@and_new.sir.]

had no choice

[@jericho-tube]

As if he has any choice. Lol

[@ashleyaboley8894]

@@jericho-tube how is shavkat the only one in the top 5 lol

[@user-ayush818]

​@@jericho-tube shavkat will lose and won't have any choice either my lady.

[@viktorcheng2061]

@@user-ayush818 🤡

[@dorgenois100]

We’re about to enter the Rakhmondv era

[@robleyusuf2566]

Logically

[@bearcatcow]

nope, belal gonna finish shavkat

[@yuruichi4691]

we'll see about that ..

[@SolomonTax]

@@dorgenois100 exactly

[@TheLininii]

Cmon bruh you're not serious belal finishes nobody ​@@bearcatcow

[@geebee636]

Ton of respect for Belal he's walking the walk and talking the talk! win or lose he's the man! And how could someone fight for the belt in his debut?

[@aziznurakhatov7156]

Shavkat will be ufc champ

[@БатыйСонам]

SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV WILL BECOME CHAMPION UFC ON DECEMBER 7!!!!

[@dt8762]

Shavkats 100% finish rate is convincing

[@saadahmad6092]

Both our guys shavkat is a future champion..i hope bilal will win

[@PeterDion-pl1vh]

both terrorists?

[@no_going_back8456]

*Belal* bro couldn’t remember the name 😂😂

[@IFAMILYIH]

@@no_going_back8456much respect to BELAL he chose the hardest fight

[@Era-r5m]

Bilal lost inshallah

[@akhriesathapo4553]

Shavkat already took the belt, Bilal will either tap or sleep 💯

[@ashleyaboley8894]

nevver been subbed lol

[@Triumphantchild]

@@ashleyaboley8894Wonderboy had never been subbed either, so what’s your point? Belal’s been KO’d stiff before.

[@akhriesathapo4553]

@@Triumphantchild Just wait and watch

[@Triumphantchild]

@@akhriesathapo4553 Maybe Shavkat will sub Belal, maybe not. Good chance he will.

[@zenberimbau3085]

No offence. Belal is an amazing fighter. Shavkhat not only has a zero loss record, but has a 100% finish rate. That means he finishes every person. Nevermind the fact that he’s a disciplined Muslim from Kazakhstan that doesn’t speak English and won’t even be affected by the trash talking and media bs. YES Belal is a great fighter but Shavkhat will beat him he will become the next enigma of the division for a while.

[@FizzSix]

They’re both each others toughest test. Belal gets full credit for not ducking.

[@TreXDeXter]

Like him or hate him... Y'all gotta respect Belal for wanted Shavkat as his next opponent

[@truepower123]

Kazakhstan let's go 🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🙌🏼

[@TC300s]

Should be an easy win for Shavkat!!! Dont see belal defending the belt

[@rawshanakter6305]

They said the same that leon would maul.But look at him now

[@gcoffey223]

I knew Belal would beat Edward's as styles make fights. Wearing your opponent out by striking you over and over until he gets tired is a bad style. Shavkat has different level striking and ground game.

[@ashleyaboley8894]

@@gcoffey223 dont think you actually said this but okay

[@no_going_back8456]

Casual. This will be a test for Shavkat

[@footlongsubzero1128]

Although Shavkat has finished all his opponents, I think this one is gonna go the full 5.

[@taramishra2484]

Shavakat is also muslim

[@roythousand13]

No, he is Orthodox Christian!

[@zarifinator1327]

@@roythousand13 Uh no he's not he's muslim lmfao

[@Culture_2520]

I thought he is chineese or japanese or Korean

[@zarifinator1327]

@@Culture_2520 he is Kazakh and he is Muslim.

[@keikibatir1496]

Shavkat is a Muslim.

[@cyclonus01]

Let's see Shavkat in the championship rounds. His cardio will be tested.

[@AshishDhoundiyal-ch6uz]

It ain't going on championship round

[@sesarise]

Not happening. Shavkat will win in round 2 by submission.

[@70kanat]

The fight between Shavkat and Belal will be the most spectacular and large-scale in the UFC, it will be very interesting, I assume that Shavkat will take the belt

[@dfredankey]

Belal wins

[@dfredankey]

Belal is in that mode and not letting young shav win maybe in the future shav will be champ

[@GalacticMail]

Shavkat will have an EASY night

[@gilabola4642]

I know that skill is important, but people underestimate bilal mental strength & fight IQ

[@donkarleonegerarding]

Shavkat ❤

[@roythousand13]

Rakhmonov is the savior of the UFC welterweight division!

[@akhilravindran6133]

Shavkat will rule the welterweight division and more importantly he will give us great fights.

[@beaualoevv]

lndian 🤣

[@beaualoevv]

🇮🇳 🤢🤥

[@beaualoevv]

akhal ravindraran 👳🏿‍♂️

[@beaualoevv]

flying carpet merchant make me shoes 👳🏿‍♂️

[@Jefe-qh8kd]

No, he wont. Belal isnt a 40 year old kickboxer, He will beat overrated Shavkat

[@strenghtbracer1826]

Yes he can. He's coming for Belal's soul. December 7th you'll see.

[@zerenadli]

More like Shavkat hype train got derail by Belal 😂

[@Yeshuaspupil]

"Fought him after he beat your azz" is what you meant to say lol.

[@L.Ron.Hoyabembe]

Shavkat as a champion is better for the sport.

[@alfiashaikh9228]

Belal is the toughest test of Shavkat!

[@aibaltanytastama7052]

Shavkat is a death sentence for Bilal!

[@ashleyaboley8894]

how

[@ArmanAkA74]

​@@ashleyaboley8894 submission,TKO, KO как получится)

[@TAO502]

Who has shavkat beat??

[@Triumphantchild]

@@TAO502Who did Islam beat before he fought Oliveira? Who did Jones beat before he fought Shogun? You can’t always use the level of competition people have fought to determine who wins a fight.

[@Jefe-qh8kd]

Shavkat is overrated and will never be ufc champ

[@dname1802]

Finally a champion who’s not afraid to fight the top contender 👍

[@AKYLBEK_010]

Kazakhstan АЛҒА!!!🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿🇰🇿

[@mikaild3289]

👍🏼👍🏼 🇰🇿🇰🇬🇹🇷🇺🇿🇦🇿🇹🇲 TURAN 🇰🇬🇹🇲🇹🇷🇰🇿🇦🇿🇺🇿

[@80DLE]

I admire belal nothing was given he earned

[@HipHopAn0n]

Possibly an epic war incoming I favor Shavkat but Belal has been looking great

[@BLUDDYknucklez]

omg i'm so f******* hyped for this fight! It's gonna be epic

[@staysolid19]

Respect belal dudes doing it the right way

[@michaelsun-qh5xe]

Belal better count his days as champ

[@ashleyaboley8894]

cry

[@zerenadli]

More like Shavkat taking his first L 😂

[@GauchoDaddy]

Shavkat will make Belal look like a DWCS flop. Belal is so boring.

[@zerenadli]

So does GSP and he's now a GOAT 😂

[@joemarshallamp]

'and the new...'

[@zerenadli]

And still...

[@Leon-b5g3j]

To make the WW division exciting again, we need a Shavkat win. No more boring champs in that weight class!

[@Syonaga_Auron777]

Take that L leon! 😂

[@blazzz13]

Firstly MMA is about fighting using multiple disciplines, not gobbing off like Duckington and fighting once every few years. Secondly if personality is your criteria, Shavkhat fails that, man's doesn't even speak English. Fickle

[@whitesox162]

Well now you want a champion like Shavkat who fights once a year and he doesn’t fight during Ramadan. I don’t want a champion who fights once a year.

[@Leon-b5g3j]

@@whitesox162 I would also say JDM, but I can't think of anyone else who's both active and exciting right now as a contender

[@G1izzardzxx]

Belal JUST won the title and is already booked to fight the boogie man of the division. Fkk off you dirty casual

[@MauricioRuffy]

10 second first round spinning wheel kick and new

[@hubertlawrence4903]

Why am I secretly hoping that Belal wins

[@SG-dw8jh]

Belal called for Khamzat’s fight, when everyone was avoiding him, Sean Brady, and now Shavkat. But the casual fans just repeat whatever they hear!

[@AliYusuf-e8j]

Belal will retain his champ inshallah .

[@yadavkegandmeinleura]

Only 1 fight against a rank fighter who's a 40 years old amd fought last year getting a title shot out of nowhere ... It should be usman vs shavkat for the no. 1 contender

[@no_going_back8456]

Ahh yes give 0-3 Usman a n1

[@elijahlogan3555]

I agree yet casuals think he’s going to steamroll Belal . Shavkat hasn’t been tested at all

[@RomeValdes]

​belal tko'd brady jdm is hurt usman 3 right L streak and he beat leon. There is no one else @@elijahlogan3555

[@slicvm]

They will be each other's toughest test

[@tobysmith2081]

@@slicvm ikr? This fight is good

[@wrdswpns1139]

wow ... great fight 👏👏

[@mannis9511]

Loves or hate Belal , he’s ready to fight anyone … Palestinian resilience ✊🏽🇵🇸

[@ilijeganu273]

I'm taking Belal if he's a +150 or higher. We don't know if Shavkat can perform in round 4 and 5, and we don't know how he'll do if he's taken down.

[@Chosen-Mal]

Why would we pay for ur predictions when we don’t even pay to watch you fight mike

[@kanyewestbank9677]

😂😂😂

[@megazega5017]

Savage truth

[@mistergustavo6554]

This one really can go either way

[@YenCrew]

Belal KO R3. Come back & tell me I was right

[@TC300s]

Noooooo way! Lol

[@viktorcheng2061]

Yes, Shavkat will knock his ass out

[@LoylaDemiseem]

Ok bro I will. Marking that on my calendar because this is so important to me.

[@stoneroses8818]

Belal couldnt KO a fly and get a decision win if he fights it

[@gcoffey223]

Belal getting a finish over anyone is the craziest part of your prediction. Maybe a controversial decision, but a finish over Shavkat? That's a very tall order

[@paulphoenix6512]

Belal has no choice

[@georgenjoroge6243]

This will be another decision victory for Belal. The only thing he can't do is grapple with Shavkat, who's combat sambo background gives him the edge on a variety of takedowns and submission threats. I think Belal is actually better against grapplers than he is against well-rounded fighters. If Maia couldn't take him down I don't see Shavkat doing it. This fight is all about cardio and tactics. Belal is a the top of the tactical nous hierarchy in the ufc, hence all the decision wins and the winning strike against very high competitors. Furthermore, I don't think Shavkat has the grappling cardio for 5 rounds & certainly will not be able to take Belal down given how great his anti-wrestling is. I also think Shavkat has fought very average fighters to maintain his undefeated record.

[@hlits6310]

Belal will get his ass handed to him unceremoniously. Shavkat destroys him. “ and new “! I’m going to place a bet now

[@avery.a5948]

You same people have betted against Belal the last 12 times. Do you people ever learn?

[@joyfullife9070]

Belal is real

[@natemarx4999]

Shavkat will save us from the most boring champion of all time, inshallah! 🇰🇿 🇰🇿 🇰🇿 🇰🇿

[@joshuatorres1305]

Leon fans now Shavkat fans, tale old as time

[@beaualoevv]

nate ‘the virgin’ marx

[@beaualoevv]

i have ur lP

[@John-uo6jj]

Belal by decision

[@natemarx4999]

@@beaualoevv Too bad you don’t have a life or a girlfriend 😮

[@beastieking1]

Belal is going to win he’s going to have the better gameplan and will implement it flawlessly. That’s his best fight attribute his intelligence and game planning

[@SystemId-ni9cz]

Belal is stronger then shavkat to

[@weroliera]

Bella wins this we can’t not love him anymore. We all have to embrace him fully.

[@Tsusajop94]

Uhhhh Belal is tested. The TITLE should be that BELAL is Shavkats toughest opponent. Crazy.

[@StallionFernando]

All 3 of these guys are so boring to listen too, what are we doing?

[@Anthony-dj4nd]

Shavkat round 2

[@zerenadli]

Shavkat gonna take his first L I guess 😂

[@charkyicenhour587]

Awesome. Return of Names!!!

[@vishkiller23]

New champion 🏆

[@ElonIverson]

People gonna be mad when Belal takes that O in a split decision.

[@mrspiff6955]

Will be unanimous. Belal has a crazy pace and gas tank

[@viktorcheng2061]

Shavkat will knock his ass out

[@AfricanWarriorMMA]

People overrating Belal even though he beat a sleep deprived Leon😂 Was on his back getting his nose cracked and had the nerve to say he made it look easy

[@Fitkid7672]

@@mrspiff6955u know what shav has a 100% finish rate & I could see him catching Belal in a submission or something & tapping him out..if belals jiu jitsu is on point, maybe Belal could win a decision. It should be interesting.

[@tarunp7864]

@@AfricanWarriorMMA if Leon was champ he should have been ready. He was fighting in his home turf😆🤦🏻‍♂️. Being sleep deprived is an excuse. That's not a champion Belal just exposed him.

[@dubenstein6347]

This will possibly be Shavkat's toughest match up. there is a good chance by the 3rd,4th round Belal tales over because of his relentless pressure. Possibly stopping him.

[@no_going_back8456]

I can see it being a war like Jiri vs Glover where Shavkat is down on the scorecards and both Him and Belle are exhausted and Shavkat just pulls a sub and wins

[@Royxq1kj]

Gotta give credit where credit is due !!!!

[@dantoland3796]

Remember when Dana White delisted or told a bunch of fighters to change the way they fought because laying on top and doing no damage doesn't sell tickets or pay per views? I wonder what's different about this group of fighters who do the same thing but somehow don't receive the same treatment from Dana White 🤔...

[@Childofbhaal]

It’s an interesting matchup. Belal has pretty crisp and accurate striking. Shavkat isn’t very defensive and relies on toughness and just brute forcing his way. I don’t know if Belal has the power to stop Shavkat considering he took pretty good shots from Geoff Neal who’s extremely powerful and wasn’t even that fazed. Belal probably needs to fight a technical fight and make it go to decision. Shavkat will try to not let that happen though and that’s why it’l be interesting

[@ethernetify]

Hope you’re joking

[@VideosZumLernen-hr8te]

​@@ethernetifyBelals striking is very underrated TBH the only thing he lacks is power.

[@gcoffey223]

Shavkat is a BIG 170lb fighter. Lil Belal doesn't have stopping power and will be eating huge strikes, just to try and get ahold of him only to get clinched up and kneed some more. I give Belal all the credit for taking this fight and will always remember the name.

[@hassanabdiahmed4541]

Belal is going to make this look easy.. haters will cry more

[@Eno-nr8rp]

@hassanabdiahmed4541 your name should be delusional 😅

[@TAO502]

I think Belal wins too! Shavkat has fought nobody

[@bekzhanotegenov6325]

Ok 😆, I'm not Belals hater but I remembered your comment, I will write answer after 8 December, will see

[@no_going_back8456]

@@TAO502just remember that Shavkat destroyed Geoff Neal who Belal got destroyed by and finished wonderboy while injured which Belal couldn’t

[@user-ayush818]

@@no_going_back8456 you just remember the name, that's enough.

[@Loco5919]

BELAL THE GOAT MUHAMMAD GREATEST WW CHAMP OF ALL TIME INSHALLAH HE MAULS SHAVRAT

[@ighizhigi5598]

You god can't help to belal

[@ThomasHishon]

Belal can out work this dude.Belalnot 100% sold on Shavkat.

[@charkyicenhour587]

Ive been Seen. BeLaL boxing is different. Bit weird. 3 years now. We Cheered Belal Boxing !! Toughest Belal challenge, Khabib's team

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

Yes.

[@TechnoT-v2k]

Shavkat will take the Belt....have no doubts. Belal can't stop him in my opinion

[@FitTrucker73]

Thinking about putting a stack on Belal. Belal will introduce the world to a tired Shavkat.

[@wrdswpns1139]

Belal going up against a warrior in shavkat....I got shavkat winning .

[@mrchatterjee_]

Unless shavkat kos Bella early, I don’t see him winning the fight, Belal has become a better pressure fighter after joining the dagi camp.

[@duramaxdad]

The only person to take Shavkats O, would be Laura Sank O.

[@mikeymike7738]

Shavkat overrated? Put your money on it. Belah was suppose to fight shavkat last year but he did everything possible to duck the man. He’s just holding and cleaning shavkats belt for him right now

[@khaledabdelaziz7828]

Belal will destroy Shavkhat

[@mrwood7507]

Belal gonna pull out

[@mikalbippin5410]

Belal Muhammad will also be Shavkat Rokhmonov's biggest test

[@eamonahern7495]

I like Belal, but I've been on the Shavkat hype train for a few years now and want Shavkat to win. Belal is a legitimate threat to his 0 though. I'd love to see a Shavkat Rakhmonov v Ian Garry title fight.

[@_fightknight]

2:21 "Fought him after I beat him" No Michael, Vicente beat you brother.

[@TAO502]

Belal will be shavkats toughest fight! Who has he beat?

[@theviolentone]

Respect to belal for agreed to fight with shavkat..give to deserve title contender not like previous champs

[@joshyjb]

Shavkat vs who?

[@mblack1448]

those champions before were scared to fight shavkat xD know they threw shavkat to belal ...

[@Scheboygan8767]

A lot of people are forgetting how boring shavkhat made the wonderboy fight, lost me as a fan that night

[@ЕркинЖайрбаев]

Shav injury

[@no_going_back8456]

He was injured almost pulled out and plus he finished wonderboy which Bella couldn’t

[@Scheboygan8767]

@@no_going_back8456 shavkhat clinched 40 year old wonderboy for basically 2 rounds before finally getting a takedown with 1 minute left in the 2nd and finished. Belal beat a more in his prime wonderboy 30-25 and didn’t struggle to take him down at all

[@manuelglez5398]

Title should be “Can the taco from sausage party retain his boringly obtained title?

[@pacman531984]

Pretty sure the matchup lines up usman and Della maddalena and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Leon vs Gary

[@blackkape1westside873]

Belal had zero choice to choose his opponent and knew this was the only option he had, so good pump talk but it is what it is

[@yodatwinkie]

You should not be allowed to fight for a title in your UFC debut what a joke and a slap in the face for the other fighters 🤬🤬