Assuming Edwards and Covington fight in November or December, Muhammad would be inactive for at least eight months until fighting again. The 35-year-old welterweight contender recently shared a video on Twitter addressing the situation: “Abu Dhabi gets their main event, Islam [Makhachev] vs. Charles [Oliveira] 2, lightweight gets their title fight. Now we’re just waiting for welterweight, which is Colby [Covington] vs. Leon [Edwards]. Waiting for that one to get booked, looking like November/December. Where does that leave me? That leaves me in the trenches doing nothing but getting better. Doing nothing but full focus on Leon Edwards.”
If Belal Muhammad gets the next welterweight title shot, he will have plenty of time to prepare for Colby Covington or Leon Edwards. Although Covington has a solid chance to become the new champion, Muhammad is only focused on a potential fight against Edwards.
The latest rumors have Edwards vs. Covington targeter for November 11 at UFC 295 in New York City. ‘Rocky’ is coming off his first title defense against Kamaru Usman in March, while ‘Chaos’ hasn’t fought since his win against Jorge Masvidal in March 2022.
During the same video posted on Twitter, Muhammad had this to say about his plans until he fights next:
sharpening the blades pic.twitter.com/sfSsZIalfk
Belal Muhammad plans to study every strength and weakness of Leon Edwards
Belal Muhammad plans to wait and ensure his next fight is for the UFC welterweight title.“I’m gonna be figuring out every weakness he has, every strength he has. I’m gonna break him down to the T. You saw what I did against Gilbert [Burns] on three weeks’ notice. Now you’re gonna get me six months, eight months to focus on Leon Edwards. If Colby ends up winning, that’s an easy fight, I don’t really need to focus on him. If Leon wins, it’s gonna be bad news for you buddy.”
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 21, 2023
Muhammad last fought on May 6, defeating Gilbert Burns by unanimous decision in a short-notice bout. The problem with his plan to wait for a title shot is that Dana White has not officially confirmed he is next in line. Therefore, there’s a chance ‘Remember The Name’ will need another win to secure a fight against the winner of Edwards vs. Covington.
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