Belal Muhammad advocates for stricter UFC rules on eye pokes, calling for immediate point deductions to prevent injuries like those he experienced and witnessed in recent fights, aiming to enhance fighter safety.
UFC Qatar on Nov. 22 features Arman Tsarukyan vs. Dan Hooker in the main event, with Tsarukyan aiming to rebound from a back injury and a previous title bout withdrawal, while Belal Muhammad returns to fight Ian Machado Garry in a co-main event with significant welterweight title implications.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the main and co-main events for UFC's first event in Qatar, featuring lightweight contenders Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker, along with welterweights Belal Muhammad and Ian Machado Garry, scheduled for November 23 at Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena.
Belal Muhammad used AI (ChatGPT) to craft a humorous response to Ian Machado Garry's callout, criticizing Garry's trash talk and signaling his focus on potential fights, including a possible rematch with Kamaru Usman, as the UFC welterweight division's title picture evolves.
Belal Muhammad dismisses Ian Machado Garry's callout with a sarcastic response, revealing his trash talk was generated by Chat GPT, as both fighters await their next bouts in the UFC welterweight division.
Kamaru Usman has expressed his willingness to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov on short notice at UFC 310, following Belal Muhammad's withdrawal due to a foot infection. Despite sharing a gym with Rakhmonov, Usman clarified they are not teammates and is open to stepping in as a replacement. Usman, who is on a three-fight losing streak, is eager to return to the octagon and potentially face Rakhmonov, emphasizing his readiness to take on challenges even with limited preparation time.
Michael Bisping has suggested that Leon Edwards, a 'forgotten' fighter, should step in to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 after Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection. Bisping believes Edwards, who lost his title to Muhammad, could benefit from this opportunity. Meanwhile, Rakhmonov is open to fighting Kamaru Usman for an interim title, as negotiations continue to find a replacement opponent.
After Leon Edwards defeated Colby Covington at UFC 296, the talk of who he will defend his Welterweight title against next has been ongoing. Belal Muhammad has firmly established himself as the No. 1 contender with his ranking and 10-fight unbeaten streak, but Edwards has shown disinterest in a rematch. Muhammad expressed frustration, citing Edwards' previous experience of being brushed off before his title shot. Edwards finally agreed to the fight, though he continued to troll Muhammad. The potential rematch could take place at UFC 300 in April 2024.
Welterweight champion Leon Edwards is willing to rematch Belal Muhammad, despite his coach preferring Gilbert Burns as the next opponent. Muhammad accuses Edwards of being scared, but Edwards dismisses the notion and says fighting Muhammad would be "easy work." UFC CEO Dana White has not confirmed Muhammad as the next contender.
Leon Edwards' coach, Dave Lovell, expressed a preference for Gilbert Burns over Belal Muhammad as the next title challenger for Edwards in the UFC Welterweight division. Lovell believes Burns brings more to the table and would make for a more compelling pay-per-view matchup. While Muhammad has earned his contendership, Lovell feels Burns has the potential to be a stronger opponent for Edwards. The decision ultimately rests with UFC CEO Dana White, who has not yet announced the next challenger for Edwards.
Leon Edwards' coach, Dave Lovell, expressed a preference for a fight against Gilbert Burns over Belal Muhammad as the next challenger for the UFC welterweight title. Lovell believes Burns brings more to the table and highlights Edwards' previous dominance over Muhammad before their no-contest due to an eye poke. While Belal Muhammad is deserving of a title shot, Lovell feels Burns should have a couple more wins before being considered a contender. UFC CEO Dana White has not confirmed Muhammad as the next challenger, leaving Lovell uncertain about the opponent. The UFC has contacted Edwards' team about a possible return bout in April at UFC 300, which Lovell believes would be a good timeline for Edwards.
Belal Muhammad criticizes Colby Covington's performance against Leon Edwards, stating that Covington is not a good fighter and did not earn his spot. Muhammad argues that he deserves the next title shot against Edwards, citing his nine-fight win streak and dominant victories over top-ranked opponents. He expresses his willingness to fight the best fighters in the world and rejects the idea of sitting out for a more lucrative match-up. Muhammad believes that Edwards could have done more to prove himself as a pound-for-pound king in their recent fight and wishes that Covington had suffered more damage.
Colby Covington believes Belal Muhammad will have to accept another fight instead of waiting for his shot at the welterweight title after defeating Gilbert Burns at UFC 288. Covington also revealed a new timeline for his own title fight against Leon Edwards, which he expects to take place in the fall or winter. Edwards recently turned down a home date in London, which Covington criticized as "disgusting."
Gilbert Burns suffered a shoulder injury during his fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC 288, which affected his performance. UFC president Dana White confirmed that Burns had a tear in his shoulder. Burns shared on Twitter that he will be checking on his shoulder and hoping for no surgery. Belal Muhammad won the fight and secured a guaranteed welterweight title shot once champion Leon Edwards fights Colby Covington later this year. Burns encouraged his fans to support Muhammad in his quest for UFC gold.
Jorge Masvidal praises Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad for their upcoming high-stakes 170-pound matchup at UFC 288. Masvidal predicts a close, competitive fight, but ultimately leans towards Burns. He also dismisses the idea of Colby Covington getting a title shot against current champion Leon Edwards, stating that Covington "ain't getting s***" and will only receive an "ass-whooping."