Cheima Moufdil
On December 7, UFC 310 will deliver one of the most anticipated welterweight matchups of the year as newly crowned champion Belal Muhammad (24-3) defends his title for the first time against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0). This clash, scheduled for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, promises to be an explosive main event, with both fighters riding high on career-defining performances.
Belal Muhammad: The Resilient Champion
Belal Muhammad's journey to UFC gold has been nothing short of remarkable. After years of climbing the ranks, Muhammad finally claimed the welterweight crown at UFC 304 in July, when he defeated former champion Leon Edwards via unanimous decision. This victory capped a 10-fight unbeaten streak, during which Muhammad displayed his signature grinding pace, relentless pressure, and improved striking.
At 36, Muhammad’s rise has been defined by his perseverance and grit. Known for his exceptional cardio and fight IQ, the Chicago native has evolved from a solid contender to a dominant force in the welterweight division. His well-rounded skill set and ability to nullify his opponents’ strengths make him a formidable champion. However, in Rakhmonov, Muhammad will face one of the most dangerous challenges of his career.
Shavkat Rakhmonov: The Undefeated Finisher
Shavkat Rakhmonov enters UFC 310 with a perfect 18-0 record, and what sets him apart is his incredible 100% finishing rate. The 29-year-old Kazakh fighter has ended every fight via knockout or submission, making him one of the most feared competitors in the division. Rakhmonov has showcased his lethal striking, powerful grappling, and unrelenting aggression inside the octagon, and his meteoric rise through the UFC ranks has been impossible to ignore.
Rakhmonov’s most recent performance was a submission victory over former title challenger Stephen Thompson in December 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a fighter who can finish anyone, anywhere. His mix of technical precision and raw power makes him a nightmare matchup for any welterweight, and he will look to extend his finishing streak against Muhammad in his quest for UFC gold.
A Clash of Styles
Muhammad and Rakhmonov represent contrasting styles, which makes their matchup all the more intriguing. Muhammad is known for his calculated approach, using his high fight IQ to wear down his opponents and dictate the pace of the fight. His wrestling, combined with his improving stand-up, allows him to control his foes over five rounds, as seen in his title-winning effort against Edwards.
On the other hand, Rakhmonov is a finisher in every sense of the word. He wastes little time in pursuing submissions or knockouts and has only seen the third round twice in his career. Rakhmonov’s ability to switch seamlessly between striking and grappling makes him an unpredictable and dangerous adversary. Muhammad will need to draw on all of his experience and tactical discipline to avoid the Kazakh’s finishing prowess.
Co-Main Event and Other Fights to Watch
The UFC 310 co-main event will also feature a thrilling championship bout, as flyweight king Alexandre Pantoja (28-5) looks to defend his title for the third time against UFC debutant Kai Asakura (21-4). Asakura, a former RIZIN bantamweight champion, brings a powerful striking game with 13 knockout wins, and he’ll look to make an immediate impact by dethroning the veteran Brazilian.
Additionally, UFC fan-favorite Nick Diaz will make his long-awaited return to the octagon, taking on Vicente Luque in what promises to be an action-packed welterweight bout. After a lengthy hiatus following his 2021 loss to Robbie Lawler, Diaz is eager to reclaim his place in the sport, while Luque, a dangerous finisher himself, aims to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Rounding out the card, heavyweights Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov will collide in a pivotal contest, and featherweight phenom Movsar Evloev will test his skills against former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling.
The Final UFC PPV of 2024
UFC 310 is shaping up to be a fitting conclusion to an exciting year for the promotion. With a thrilling mix of established champions, undefeated contenders, and returning legends, the event promises to deliver memorable moments. Belal Muhammad’s title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov headlines a stacked card, and fans around the world will be eager to see whether Muhammad’s experience or Rakhmonov’s finishing ability will reign supreme on December 7.
The final UFC pay-per-view of 2024 is not one to miss, as the welterweight division could see a new champion emerge, or Belal Muhammad solidify his place atop the mountain