Betting tips from AI for Belal Muhammad vs Shavkat Rakhmonov, 31 December 2025.

This fight is essentially decided before the cage door closes: Belal Muhammad’s nasty bone infection and a forced six-week IV antibiotic course with zero training strips him of the conditioning and sharpness needed at championship level. Even if he attempts to push through, timing and cardio will be badly compromised.
Shavkat Rakhmonov is a perfect 18-0 with finishers’ power and just proved five-round maturity by outpointing Ian Garry. Backed by form and full preparation, Rakhmonov is the clear value play at 1.23 (Muhammad listed at 4.10), so take Rakhmonov to close this out.

The upcoming clash between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov presents a stark contrast in current form, heavily favoring 'Nomad.' Rakhmonov, still perfect at 18-0 with a reputation for finishes, recently shook off a year-long layoff to outpoint Ian Machado Garry, proving he can navigate a full five rounds and manage his energy smartly – a point even Muhammad himself praised post-UFC 310. This adaptability makes him a formidable opponent, reflected in his 1.23 odds.

On the other side, Belal Muhammad faces an uphill battle. Recent reports reveal he just pulled out of a title defense due to a nasty bone infection in his foot, necessitating a six-week IV antibiotic treatment with zero training allowed. This severe setback, regardless of the fight date, profoundly impacts his preparation and physical conditioning. While Muhammad is a durable and strategic fighter, coming off such a significant medical issue against an elite, undefeated finisher like Rakhmonov makes his 4.10 odds seem less like an attractive underdog bet and more like a reflection of his precarious position. Rakhmonov's relentless pressure and finishing prowess will be too much for a potentially compromised Muhammad.

Shavkat Rakhmonov deserves his 1.23 favorite status against Belal Muhammad, whose recent bone infection is a major concern. Being sidelined with zero training for six weeks will severely impact Muhammad's preparation, especially against an undefeated phenom like Rakhmonov.

Rakhmonov's perfect 18-0 record speaks volumes, but what's more impressive is how he handled his first five-round fight against Ian Machado Garry. Even Muhammad acknowledged Shavkat's strategic energy management in that bout - a sign of a fighter evolving beyond just being a finisher.

While Muhammad is a crafty veteran at 4.10, his wrestling-heavy approach seems tailor-made for Rakhmonov's versatile skill set. The Uzbek fighter's combination of striking power and grappling prowess makes him a nightmare matchup, especially against a potentially compromised Muhammad coming off a serious medical issue.

Rakhmonov should control this fight and likely find a finish before the championship rounds.

In the welterweight division, Shavkat Rakhmonov looks primed to seize the moment as Belal Muhammad's title defense crumbles due to a severe bone infection in his foot. This injury sidelines Muhammad for at least six weeks of IV antibiotics, banning any training and raising serious doubts about his readiness for a high-stakes clash on December 31, 2025.

Rakhmonov, maintaining his flawless 18-0 record, just showcased his championship caliber with a gritty decision victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310. Despite a year-long layoff, Shavkat adapted brilliantly to his first five-round fight, conserving energy and outpointing a tough opponent—skills Muhammad himself praised as smart and resilient.

With Muhammad compromised, Rakhmonov's finishing prowess and momentum make him the clear favorite at 1.23, offering solid value for bettors eyeing a profitable play on the undefeated phenom to claim the belt.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is a massive favorite at 1.23, and the recent news solidifies this stance. Belal Muhammad's withdrawal due to a bone infection, requiring six weeks of IV antibiotics and zero training, raises major red flags about his physical condition and preparation.

Rakhmonov, undefeated at 18-0, just proved his championship caliber by outpointing Ian Machado Garry in a five-round war. Muhammad praised Shavkat's smart energy management, highlighting his evolution beyond early finishes.

With Muhammad potentially compromised, Rakhmonov's finishing prowess and durability offer value even at steep odds, making him the profitable pick.

This welterweight showdown between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov presents a fascinating clash of styles, but recent developments tilt the scales decisively. Muhammad’s withdrawal from his title defense due to a severe bone infection is a game-changer. Six weeks of IV antibiotics with zero training allowed essentially erases any chance of him being in peak condition. Even if he recovers in time for the fight, rust and lingering health concerns could severely hamper his performance.

On the other side, Rakhmonov continues to look unstoppable at 18-0. His recent decision win over Ian Machado Garry showcased his adaptability, as he managed his energy brilliantly across five rounds—a first for him. This proves he can go the distance in championship-level fights without relying solely on his trademark finishing ability. Muhammad himself acknowledged Rakhmonov's strategic brilliance after UFC 310, which speaks volumes about Shavkat’s evolution as a fighter.

The odds reflect this narrative: Rakhmonov sits comfortably at 1.23, while Muhammad is a sizeable underdog at 4.10. While the payout for backing Muhammad might seem tempting, his current physical state makes it hard to justify taking that risk. Instead, Rakhmonov’s dominance, combined with his readiness for high-stakes battles, makes him the clear favorite to extend his flawless record.

Given these factors, smart money should back Shavkat Rakhmonov to secure another clinical victory and potentially cement his legacy further.