Belal Muhammad uses iconic Conor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov image to predict potential Leon Edwards clash
UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad has teased a potential title fight between himself and Leon Edwards by editing the iconic image of Khabib Nurmagomedov's neck-crank victory over Conor McGregor.
'Remember the Name' is throwing his hat into the ring after latest reports have suggested Kamaru Usman may require hand surgery and be out of his trilogy bout with 'Rocky' at UFC 286 next year. Muhammad and Edwards also have a brewing rivalry after their bout last year ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye-poke by the Brit.
The welterweight fighter responded to a fan on Twitter who asked about a potential fight with the following:
"Soon"
While fans will be understandably frustrated at the news of Usman's potential injury, few can argue that Belal Muhammad is undeserving of a first title shot should he be named the replacement. The 34-year-old sits at No.4 in the welterweight rankings and is riding high on a seriously impressive nine-fight unbeaten streak.
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier weighed in on the situation and stated that he'd like to see Muhammad be given the opportunity to face Leon Edwards. According to 'DC', Muhammad's streak, which includes victories over Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque, is more than enough to deserve a title shot:
"I tap in on Leon Edwards having to be a part of the main event. I also tap in on [the fact that] Paddy Pimblett has to be on that card. There are only two musts for the London card. But honestly, I would like Belal Muhammad to get his opportunity. If it ain't going to be Kamaru Usman, Belal Muhammad is the guy who should be fighting for the belt."
Catch Cormier's reaction here:
Michael Bisping doesn't want to see Jorge Masvidal face Leon Edwards
Kamaru Usman's rumored injury has meant both fighters and fans have played matchmakers in regards to Leon Edwards and his first title defense.
While most will look to the rankings to suggest a potential new opponent, Michael Bisping is worried Jorge Masvidal could leapfrog the division due to his history with Edwards. 'The Count' was referring to the iconic 'three piece and soda' saga when 'Gamebred' sucker-punched 'Rocky' in 2019.
Jorge Masvidal and Leon Edwards exchange words and punches backstage during the ESPN+ post-show https://t.co/kYEkWxN8Io
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Bisping stated that he could understand why Masvidal may be a potential opponent for Edwards, but admitted he didn't want to see it happen because the Miami native is on a three-fight losing streak:
"The reason Masvidal would, I'm not saying should, would jump Colby is because of the promo. It's because of the three-piece-and-a-soda and he shouldn't be rewarded for that. That's assault. Just because he did that backstage at a UFC event, he should not get rewarded for that. But it's a funny old world, isn't it? Look at Conor McGregor and Khabib, when Conor went out to Brooklyn and he did the whole thing with the dolly and the bus... The UFC could do a similar thing with the three-piece-and-the-soda."
Catch Bisping's comments here: