UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad believes his first challenger should have to earn their shot.

Less than a month removed from his title victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304, the conversation about the first defense for Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has begun to grow loud. This is partly due to Muhammad recently telling MMA Junkie Radio he wants to “be their Alex Pereira and step up” to put his title on the line.

Shavkat Rakhmonov, the current No. 3 welterweight in the promotion’s rankings, has already called the champ out for turning down a matchup in October, sparking a response from Muhammad.

“Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I think Shavkat and Usman should fight to find the real number one contender,” Muhammad wrote on X, along with a meme of Edwards.

Inactive? Lol I’m still on trial and Shavkat hasn’t fought since 2023 I think Shavkat and usman should fight to find the real number one contender pic.twitter.com/7fKYMZsqbl

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 30, 2024

Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) has not competed since a submission victory over former title challenger Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December.

Muhammad made it clear he would not be ready to return in October, and in the meantime, he wants to see the undefeated contender face former champion Kamaru Usman. However, in another meme posted to X, Muhammad hinted that the UFC is only interested in giving Rakhmonov his shot at gold.

Dana be like… pic.twitter.com/nGmmli01rw

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 31, 2024

Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is currently on a three-fight losing streak. The former champ dropped his title to Edwards, lost the rematch, and then came up short in a short-notice majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight.

Rakhmonov believes he has already done enough to earn a title shot and expects a competitive fight against Muhammad if the bout is booked next.