Belal Muhammad is confident that he will receive his promised title shot in the UFC welterweight division, even if he has to wait until next year to challenge the winner of the upcoming welterweight title fight.
Belal Muhammad, currently on a 10-fight unbeaten streak, has his sights set on the welterweight title fight at UFC 296. He is determined to challenge the winner of the highly anticipated matchup in 2024. Muhammad solidified his position as the No. 1 contender in the division after a dominant victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 in May. However, UFC CEO Dana White hinted that Muhammad might have another fight before the end of the year while champion Leon Edwards prepares to face Colby Covington in December.
Despite the possibilities that come with UFC matchmaking, Muhammad’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is confident that the promotion will honor their promise of a title shot, even if it means waiting until next year to get it. Abdelaziz holds Dana White’s word in high regard, stating, “Dana promised him a title shot. I’ll close my eyes and I’ll sleep [well]. Dana always keeps his word. He’s the No. 1 contender.” He predicts that something significant will happen on December 16, with Muhammad potentially becoming the UFC welterweight champion. If not, the winner of the upcoming fight between Edwards and Covington will face Muhammad.
The only fighter currently ranked higher than Muhammad is former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. However, Usman recently moved to middleweight for a short-notice opportunity against Khamzat Chimaev. Usman has indicated a desire to continue competing in the middleweight division and even potentially face Dricus Du Plessis in early 2024. With the top welterweights already booked for other fights, Muhammad finds himself in a position where it is almost a title shot or nothing.
Abdelaziz believes that nothing else makes sense for Muhammad at this point, stating, “Belal Muhammad was always the No. 1 contender. It was not ‘maybe fight this guy, maybe fight that guy.’ No, he was the No. 1 contender and he is next for the title. Because I believe anything Dana White says, I do.” While it is uncertain if Muhammad will serve as a backup for the Edwards vs. Covington fight in December, it is clear that he will be prepared to challenge the winner once December 16 is over. Muhammad’s determination and confidence in Dana White’s promises make him a compelling contender in the welterweight division.