Former UFC fighter and outspoken analyst Chael Sonnen has once again shared his unfiltered thoughts — this time on the highly anticipated welterweight matchup between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. Known for his bold takes and deep fight IQ, Chael broke down what this fight really means, who has the edge, and why fans should be paying close attention.

 “This Is the Fight That Separates Pretenders From Contenders”

In classic Chael Sonnen fashion, he didn’t hold back:

“This is the kind of fight where somebody’s hype dies, and somebody’s title run begins. Period.”

According to Chael, Belal Muhammad is one of the most underrated fighters in the division. With a 10-fight unbeaten streak and a growing resume of wins over top contenders, Belal has been knocking on the door of a title shot for a while.

“Belal’s the guy nobody wants to fight. He’s awkward, he’s smart, and he doesn’t fade. If you’re not elite, he exposes you,” Chael said on his YouTube channel.

 Rakhmonov: The Silent Assassin

On the other side of the Octagon stands Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated phenom from Kazakhstan with a perfect finishing rate. At 18-0, Rakhmonov has stopped every opponent — and he’s done it without much trash talk, media drama, or controversy.

“This guy doesn’t make noise — his fists do,” Chael said. “And what I love about him? No drama. No excuses. He just fights.”

Chael emphasized that Rakhmonov’s calm, calculating pressure could pose serious problems for Belal, especially in the grappling exchanges.

 Who Has the Edge?

While fans and oddsmakers may be leaning toward Rakhmonov because of his undefeated record and finishing power, Chael gave Belal more credit than most analysts:

“People forget how intelligent Belal is in there. He doesn’t fight for the crowd. He fights to win. And he adjusts — constantly.”

However, Chael admitted that Shavkat’s ability to mix it up — switching stances, attacking submissions, and applying pressure — makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire welterweight division.

 Final Prediction?

Though Chael stopped short of giving an official prediction, he made one thing very clear:

“Whoever wins this fight isn’t just next in line — they are the line.”

Final Thoughts

Chael Sonnen’s reaction to Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov highlights exactly why this is one of the most compelling matchups in the UFC welterweight division. It’s not just a clash of skills — it’s a test of mindset, pressure, and hunger.

Whether you side with the gritty veteran or the cold, undefeated killer, one thing’s for sure: this fight is going to shake up the top of the welterweight division — and maybe even crown the next title challenger.