How can Belal Muhammad secure himself a title shot against Leon Edwards? Former UFC champion points out
Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on Belal Muhammad being snubbed for the welterweight title shot and suggested that the 34-year-old Chicago native needs a high-profile win against the former champion to solidify his position as the next title contender.
In a recent conversation with Ben Askren, 'DC' opined that Muhammad should fight Kamaru Usman and score a high-profile victory for the UFC to finally give him his long-awaited title shot:
"I think him [Kamaru Usman] vs. Belal might be the one because Belal needs that, like, high-profile win to make people take him seriously."
Watch the full video below:
Leon Edwards scored an emphatic decision victory over Usman in their trilogy fight at UFC 286 in London last Saturday. In the post-fight presser, Dana White revealed that Colby Covington, the surprise backup fighter for the event, will be the next title contender.
White also claimed that the promotion is working on Belal Muhammad clashing with fast-rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov, despite the No.4-ranked welterweight calling for a showdown with 'Chaos' or even gunning for Edwards after their first fight in March 2021 ended in a no-contest.
While Muhammad will likely need another win before making a UFC gold bid, Covington's shot isn't guaranteed either. Edwards clearly dismissed a potential clash against 'Chaos' in favor of a grudge match against Jorge Masvidal.
Belal Muhammad weighs in on Colby Covington's title shot
Belal Muhammad is not happy about Colby Covington getting a shot at the title before him and does not plan on sitting back in silence.
While UFC President Dana White suggested that Covington would be the next to challenge Leon Edwards for the belt, many fans believe Muhammad deserves a title bid considering 'Chaos' has not fought in over a year and did not respond to call-outs from the four fighters directly underneath him in the rankings.
In a recent episode on the Anik and Florian Podcast, Belal Muhammad outlined why he should be the one facing 'Rocky' next:
"You have to respect the work I’ve put in, what I’ve gone through. I’m on an eight-fight winning streak, I’ve won 12 of my last 13 fights... I’m beating ranked guys. I have more ranked wins than the champion... I have the fourth-longest winning streak in the history of the division, and I’m not even being mentioned in the title contention... It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Belal Muhammed SOUNDS OFF on Colby Covington! Does he deserve the next title shot?!
Check out this exclusive interview here: youtube.com/watch?v=AAHJpi… https://t.co/ESdKGs1oiT
Meanwhile, Jorge Masvidal is set to face Gilbert Burns at UFC 287. The outcome of that bout will surely add to the rollercoaster that is the welterweight division's title picture. Considering 'Gamebred's history with Edwards, a singular win could be enough for the Miami native to get a title shot.