Chael Sonnen: Kamaru Usman can steal UFC welterweight title shot from Shavkat Rakhmonov

Chael Sonnen thinks Kamaru Usman might be able to out-campaign Shavkat Rakhmonov for a welterweight title shot.

Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is on a three-fight losing skid, but the former champ took issue with fans suggesting he’s washed up. Usman has been trading barbs with current UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) and believes he’s a better version of him.

Undefeated Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) said it’s a shame for Usman to try and enter the title picture as he looks to secure his shot. But based on name value, Sonnen thinks Usman has a case – and it’s now or never for him.

“He is right there, about to get Belal. I mean, he is right there,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “There is only one guy even in discussion that might nudge him out, and that is Rakhmonov, and it’s wildly important that they get this figured out. If Rakhmonov nudges him out, there’s probably not going to be another time that Kamaru’s going to be needed.

“This is the time. He’s got to beat him. Rakhmonov has got to shine himself up just a little bit more. The UFC, no matter how big it is and no matter what the fan base is, is not ready for a press conference with Muhammad and Rakhmonov, and Kamaru Usman has got to push that narrative. I’m only sharing that because he is this close, and at one point he didn’t know it.”

After dethroning Leon Edwards to become welterweight champion at UFC 304, Muhammad told MMA Junkie that he’s willing to make his first title defense against either Usman or Rakhmonov.