Shavkat Rakhmonov is looking for a new dance partner for his UFC 310 collision after Belal Muhammad’s unfortunate withdrawal owing to a severe bone infection. Online feuds are at their peak right now as the Kazakh’s claims projected a shift from the earlier whispers of Colby Covington being a probable replacement. The latter has now answered to one of Rakhmonov’s X posts and the reply was a tirade of insults.

Rakhmovnov had written about Covington’s ‘posturing’ as a replacement for UFC 310. He stated, “All I hear are empty callouts! No real intention, no action. Just posturing for the media and fans. @USMAN84kg, @ColbyCovMMA.” This did not sit well with the 36-year-old American welterweight who made a video saying, “Listen up junior translate this to whatever caveman dialect you need to and get it through that big empty skull attached to that gumby a** body. I don’t posture and I don’t bluff.”

He then proceeded to give a detailed description of where he was. He said as soon as he got off of the Palm Beach Florida Trump golf course, he would speak to the UFC boss. ‘Chaos’ added, “I am calling Hunter and Dana and we can all see whose posture per click bozo.” However, Covington has a history of calling fighters out without following through—earlier this year, he feuded with Ian Garry over a potential fight, only to ultimately walk away from the opportunity despite intense back-and-forth on social media.

After missing out on a fight with the 170lbs king, Rakhmonov had called for an interim title shot, open to whoever the UFC selects as his opponent. Apart from Covington, former champion Kamaru Usman had also expressed his desire to step in but the Kazakh fighter took to X to voice his doubts, claiming that neither seems genuinely committed and are simply positioning themselves as possible replacements.

Usman addressed the topic on his podcast, citing his recent short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev as proof of his willingness to step up when needed. While Rakhmonov questioned the sincerity of both Usman and Covington’s offers, he did note a preference for facing ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ if given a choice. Here’s what he had to say.

Shavkat Rakhmonov views Kamaru Usman as a worthy opponent

“I believe there’s a worthy opponent available, and I’m ready to save the card if it’s for the interim belt” Shavkat Rakhmonov shared on The Ariel Helwani Show. Confident in his abilities, the Kazakh phenom expressed that Kamaru Usman would be a strong, prepared opponent if they were to face off. He argued that he deserves a shot at the interim title, noting that Belal Muhammad’s timeline for recovery is uncertain. Rakhmonov further mentioned that, if he wins the interim belt, it would set up an even bigger showdown with ‘Bully B’ upon his return.

This potential matchup has gained traction, as Usman has also expressed interest in an interim fight. Rakhmonov’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, confirmed this momentum, telling MMA Junkie that the UFC has been exploring options for a Rakhmonov fight at UFC 310, with Usman among those in talks. “Negotiations are ongoing” Abdrakhmanov noted. “They may be speaking to other fighters, but I’m confident Usman has been offered this fight as well.”

However, the current division king has downplayed the need for an interim title, insisting that he will be back in six weeks. Rakhmonov, citing the longer-than-expected recovery times typical of infections, highlighted the recent case of Jack Della Maddalena, who experienced delays in healing post-arm surgery due to infection.

With Usman showing interest and negotiations underway, it seems increasingly likely that a Rakhmonov vs. Usman fight could materialize. What do you think? Will Rakhmonov and Usman meet in the Octagon, or could Colby Covington get his shot instead? Share your thoughts below!