Belal Muhammad believes he wasn’t given a shot at either Kamaru Usman or Khamzat Chimaev for a reason.
Muhammad is on a three-fight winning streak following his most recent decision victory over Vicente Luque. Overall, he is unbeaten in his last eight outings.
Many felt a fight between Muhammad and Chimaev would be next in what would essentially be a title eliminator. Both fighters were also campaigning for the fight.
However, many were surprised when Muhammad was booked to face rising welterweight contender Sean Brady at UFC 281 on October 22 instead.
Belal Muhammad: UFC Couldn’t Risk Me Beating Usman, Chimaev
So why didn’t Muhammad end up facing Chimaev or Usman instead of fighting someone lower-ranked?
Muhammad believes it’s because the UFC wants to book a dream fight between Usman and Chimaev and couldn’t risk having him beat either guy.
“I’m the worst style matchup for khamzat and usman and ufc knows that …them two are obviously the biggest money fight together so they couldn’t risk me beating either one yet but soon I’ll be undeniable.”
I’m the worst style matchup for khamzat and usman and ufc knows that …them two are obviously the biggest money fight together so they couldn’t risk me beating either one yet but soon I’ll be undeniable
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 13, 2022
While all that remains to be seen, Muhammad could certainly be in an undeniable position soon — especially if he becomes the first to inflict defeat on Brady and continue his winning streak.
As for Usman, he is set to defend his welterweight title against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 on August 20. Chimaev, meanwhile, is currently without a fight.
