Undefeated in ten fights, reserve for the last title fight and ranked second in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), Belal Muhammad seems the obvious choice to take the place of the next challenger for Leon Edwards ' belt . Despite this, the American of Palestinian descent has been facing resistance not only from some fans, but also from the champion himself and his team.
In an interview with the American website 'MMA Fighting', Belal Muhammad responded to recent comments from Edwards, who went so far as to say that his rival doesn't deserve a title shot.
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“I’m on a ten-fight winning streak. He was undefeated for nine fights, waiting for a title shot and being left out. He knows what it’s like to be left out. (…) When you were on that streak, you were beating Rafael dos Anjos , Donald Cerrone , Gunnar Nelson , guys who weren’t in the top 5. I have four wins against top 5 fighters. I have wins over the best in the world. Demian Maia , one of the best grapplers. Wonderboy, one of the best strikers. Vicente Luque , one of the best finishers. Sean Brady , a win that’s worth even more now that he dominated Kelvin Gastelum . I’m dominating guys who are on winning streaks and you act like it’s nothing,” the fighter vented.
In his last ten octagon appearances, Belal Muhammad only failed to win when he faced Leon Edwards in 2021. On that occasion, the reigning champion accidentally poked the American in the eye, and the fight ended in a no contest. Since then, the Palestinian descendant has racked up victories over some of the top names in the division.
“He talks about cutting in line. Is this guy pretending to be stupid or is he stupid? I'm not cutting in line. I climbed every ladder to get here. I had to beg for the best fights. I had to fight Gilbert Burns with weeks' notice. Nothing was given to me. The fact that he belittles that and disrespects my record is what angers me the most,” said Belal.
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