In a recent outburst, top-ranked welterweight contender Belal Muhammad voiced his discontent over not securing a title fight against the current champion, Leon Edwards. Despite being a strong contender and Edwards having defended his title twice, Muhammad has yet to have a rematch with him. In an interview, Muhammad did not hold back his feelings, accusing Edwards and his team of dodging him. He labeled them as the “fakest team” he’s ever encountered, pointing out that even Edwards’ brother called for a fight with Conor McGregor instead of facing him. Muhammad’s frustration is evident as he perceives the avoidance as blatant, something that he believes the fans are also beginning to notice.
Muhammad further criticized Edwards’ manager for joining in on what he sees as a campaign to keep him from the title shot. He expressed his growing animosity towards ‘Rocky’, stating that the champion’s attempts to downplay his achievements only serve to fuel his hatred. Muhammad, confident in his abilities, declared that he has the longest winning streak in the division and is determined to prove he’s the best by beating Edwards. The intensity of his feelings is clear as he eagerly awaits the opportunity to settle the score in the octagon.
The history between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad adds a layer of complexity to their rivalry. Their first encounter took place in 2021, at a UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas. The fight, however, ended abruptly in the second round when Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye, leaving him unable to continue. As a result, the fight was declared a no-contest, a disappointing outcome for both fighters who were on winning streaks at the time. Since then, neither has suffered a loss, and the anticipation for a rematch has only grown.
The unresolved nature of their first fight has left fans and the fighters themselves eager for a conclusive second bout. The eye poke incident that led to the no-contest result has been a point of contention, and both fighters have been vocal about their desire to prove themselves against each other. With the rivalry intensifying outside of the octagon, the MMA community is abuzz with speculation about when and if the two will face off again.
The question of whether Leon Edwards should defend his title against Belal Muhammad next has become a topic of debate among fans. The anticipation for a decisive rematch is palpable, and opinions on the matter are divided. Some argue that Muhammad has earned his shot at the title, while others believe there may be other contenders in line. Regardless, the potential matchup remains a hotly discussed issue, with many eager to see if the two welterweights will finally have the chance to settle their score.
