Only Title Shot Makes Sense for Belal Muhammad, Claims Manager

The owner of one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s longest-ever unbeaten streaks without a title shot is ready to press the issue.

Welterweight contender Belal Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC) will only fight for the title next even if he has to wait for it, according to his manager Ali Abdelaziz, who recently spoke to MMA Fighting about his client’s long climb up the 170-pound ladder. Undefeated in his last 10 outings, with nine wins and a no contest against current champ Leon Edwards, and ranked No. 2 on the welterweight ladder, Muhammad has long been rallying for a shot at the title. While many consider “Remember the Name” to be most deserving of the next chance at the belt, the promotion has passed him over repeatedly, most recently in favor of Colby Covington, who is scheduled to challenge Edwards at UFC 296 on Dec. 16.

While Covington hasn’t fought since a decision win over Jorge Masvidal in March 2022, Muhammad has competed three times since then, most recently notching a dominant decision win over Gilbert Burns in March. Per Abdelaziz, Muhammad will only fight for the title next, most likely against the winner of the Edwards-Covington title fight. Abdelaziz has absolute faith in a promise seemingly made by White about Muhammad getting a title shot in his next outing.

While Abdelaziz is hopeful about Muhammad getting his bid in December by some turn of events, he is also willing to wait otherwise. The Dominance MMA CEO said, “Dana’s a promoter and whatever Dana says, I take to the bank. 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.

“This is my prediction” he added. “I believe something will happen Dec. 16. I believe Belal Muhammad will go there and I believe Belal Muhammad will become the UFC welterweight champion. Even if that doesn’t happen, that’s OK. These two guys fight, the winner will fight Belal Muhammad.

“Belal Muhammad was always the No. 1 contender,” he concluded. “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.”