Chael Sonnen recently shared his thoughts on the future matchups in the UFC welterweight division and who he believes should be the next challenger for the current champion, Belal Muhammad.
According to Sonnen, a fight between Kamaru Usman and Shavkat Rakhmonov would make sense as the next logical step in determining the next contender for the welterweight title. Both fighters have high profiles and the competitive edge needed to make this matchup exciting and worthy of title contention.
Despite Usman’s recent losing streak, he still carries the experience of being a former champion and has faced top-tier competition. On the other hand, Rakhmonov is undefeated and considered one of the most dangerous prospects in the division, adding to the high-stakes nature of this potential fight.
Sonnen also suggested Ian Machado Garry as a possible opponent for Belal Muhammad in the next title defense. This suggestion may come as a surprise to some, considering Garry’s current ranking and experience compared to other contenders. However, Sonnen’s reasoning could be based on the UFC’s potential interest in fresh matchups and building up new stars quickly.
Garry’s undefeated record and rising popularity could provide an exciting narrative for fans, especially if the UFC aims to diversify its main event attractions beyond the usual contenders. Despite his lower ranking, Garry’s style and underdog story could make for an intriguing fight against Muhammad, potentially drawing in a broader audience and creating a compelling storyline.
Sonnen’s perspective on these matchups suggests a shift in the UFC’s approach to matchmaking, focusing not only on rankings but also on narrative development, fan engagement, and entertainment value. While some may be surprised by the suggestion of Garry over more traditional contenders like Rakhmonov or Usman, there is an understanding of the importance of creating compelling storylines and engaging fans.
Overall, Sonnen’s views on these potential fights reflect a nuanced understanding of how modern UFC matchmaking is evolving, emphasizing the importance of fighter narratives, audience engagement, and the overall entertainment value of the sport. This approach may signal a new direction for the UFC in prioritizing strategic matchmaking over strict adherence to rankings for title contention.