Belal Muhammad, the presumptive next title challenger for Leon Edwards‘ UFC welterweight championship, believes Edwards is avoiding a fight with him, fueling a personal animosity between the two fighters.
Belal Muhammad has a bone to pick with Leon Edwards. It’s been personal for a while now.
For almost a year, Muhammad’s been the assumed next contender for Edwards’ UFC welterweight championship. But, no fight has been set. Edwards was busy dealing with ex-interim champ, Colby Covington.
2024’s dragging on, and Muhammad’s title fight is still a no-show. “Remember the Name” thinks it’s ’cause Edwards doesn’t want to face him.
Muhammad told MiddleEasy, “When you have all these guys talking for you, it’s clear you’re hiding behind them.” He’s calling Edwards a coward.
“You’re the world champ. If you’re the best, fight the best guy in the division. That’s me.” Muhammad’s got the longest winning streak in the division. He’s beaten all the top guys. He believes he’s the best, and he thinks Edwards knows it too.
Why’s Edwards avoiding the fight? Muhammad thinks it’s because he’s the toughest matchup. Edwards wants to keep the belt for as long as he can.
Muhammad and Edwards have had beef for years. It started with their first fight in 2021, which ended in a no-contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye. Muhammad wanted a rematch, but Edwards wasn’t interested.
Now, Edwards keeps downplaying Muhammad as a title challenger. This is only making Muhammad more determined.
“I hate his guts,” Muhammad admitted. He hasn’t felt this way since his fight with Sean Brady. Brady was all talk, and it annoyed Muhammad. Now, with the Leon fight, he feels like they’re avoiding him.
Muhammad’s last few fights have been against nice guys. Demian Maia, Wonderboy, Luque – all good guys. But with Edwards, it’s different. Muhammad’s been training for him for two years. He’s been his main focus.
But, it might not be Edwards who’s stopping the fight. UFC CEO Dana White announced a welterweight title defense for UFC 300. But the three fighters proposed for Edwards all fell through. Muhammad wasn’t one of them.
“People can say whatever they want,” Muhammad said. He thinks it’s Dana White trying to hype up Edwards. But according to Muhammad, Edwards is no good.
Muhammad might get his chance. UFC 304 is rumored for Manchester, England in July. An Edwards title defense is allegedly the main event. As the No. 2 contender, Muhammad could be next in line.
“One hundred percent,” Muhammad said about fighting in England. He’s excited about the prospect of beating Edwards on his home turf. He’s been to a UFC event in London before and loved the energy.
The doubt only fuels him. It would be the perfect ending to his story to win the belt there.