The former welterweight champion has the resume, the name value and the ability to draw the kind of attention that would be beneficial in helping Shavkat Rakhmonov become a star, Dayne Fox writes.
Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed below are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company, Evolve Media.at UFC 310 in December. It left the UFC in a sticky predicament. What should the promotion do for its final pay-per-view main event of the year now that its previously plans have been nixed? Plenty of thoughts and rumors have swirled, and those need to be addressed.
There have also been rumors floating around that the aforementioned Pereira might save this card. The consensus top contender at light heavyweight,, has expressed a desire over social media to jump in on short notice. For his part, Pereira has sent cryptic messages indicating he might be interested. However, Pereira has participated in four title fight in the span of 11 months.
Just about all those other options include keeping Rakhmonov on the card—something the UFC seems to want to do. He has been in camp, owns an impeccable record and has finished every single one of his fights. He has everything the UFC wants in a star, except for the ability to speak English and a personality that connects with the casual fans. Hardcore fans love Rakhmonov, but the UFC already has its claws into them.
With that said, Usman also hasn’t won a fight in three years. In fact, Usman has suffered three consecutive defeats: two to Edwards and another to. Being someone who wants to see the UFC operate as more of a sport and less of a business, I would much rather see someone who has won a fight in the last three years. Unfortunately, the business side of this can’t be ignored.
I also hate the idea of making an interim belt—Muhammad won the championship less than four months ago—but if that’s what would lure Usman to take the fight, the UFC should do it. Usman is the only logical option at this point. Matching Rakhmonov with Usman is the best fight for the present and future of the welterweight division. Sometimes, what’s best for everyone isn’t what’s most fair.
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