Belal Muhammad wants Leon Edwards, Kamaru Usman or Colby Covington next
Belal Muhammad's next opponent has not been announced. While there have been rumors that he could face Shavkat Rakhmonov, the No.4-ranked welterweight shared that he is looking to face fighters ranked ahead of him.
Speaking to Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, 'Remember the Name' stated:
"For me, now, I'm only looking upwards. The only guys upwards are Colby, Leon, and Kamaru. Kamaru didn't take no damage in this fight and he's still fighting, he's still talking about fighting. I think that's a fight that makes sense... The only thing I don't have on my resume is that name everybody recognizes, everybody knows, and that was a former champion. A guy that people consider one of the best welterweights to do it."
Belal Muhammad added:
"If that's the name that is going to get me a shot - if it's going to be somebody, it's going to be either Usman, Colby, or Leon. It's only fighting upwards from here. I think that's the only way I'm going to be guaranteed anything."
Belal Muhammad noted that if Kamaru Usman is unavailable, he is hoping that Leon Edwards continues to refuse to face Colby Covington. He claimed that he is willing to face 'Chaos' at UFC 287 in Miami this weekend, the week after, or even wait until June. The No.4-ranked welterweight believes the winner of the bout should be awarded a title shot.
Belal Muhammad's next opponent: 'Remember the Name' discusses facing Shavkat Rakhmonov
Following UFC 286, UFC President Dana White shared that the promotion is looking to book a bout between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov. The No.4-ranked welterweight does not believe that 'Nomad' makes sense as an opponent.
Dana White reveals Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov is part of his next-fight plans in the UFC welterweight division. 🔥
#UFC286 | Full video: bit.ly/3LuYGUl https://t.co/CawvmRlGQ5
Speaking with Damon Martin of MMA Fighting, 'Remember the Name' discussed hearing the comments from the promotional frontman, stating:
"I was like, what? Where did this come from? I'm calling my manager like, what's going on? He's like, 'Brother, I don't know what's going on.' I'm never a guy that shies away from the tough fights. I’ve been calling for the toughest fights forever and he’s obviously on a good run, a streak, but I just beat the hot prospect. I just beat the guy that was 15-0. He's a dangerous fighter, but to me it's still fighting backwards."
Belal Muhammad handed Sean Brady his first career loss in his most recent outing at UFC 280. While the No.4-ranked welterweight is determined to face an opponent ahead of him in the rankings, that may not be an option at the moment. A victory over Shavat Rakhmonov would almost certainly guarantee 'Remember the Name' a title opportunity as 'Nomad' is undefeated with all his victories coming via finish.