Belal Muhammad claims the UFC gave title shot to Colby Covington for building Leon Edwards’ stardom

Belal Muhammad develops another theory on why Colby Covington got the titles shot over him. He says Colby can build Leon Edwards's stardom.

Belal Muhammad claims the UFC gave title shot to Colby Covington for building Leon Edwards’ stardom

Belal Muhammad comes up with another theory on why Colby Covington got the title shot (Image Courtesy - Overtimer, BroBible)

Welterweight Belal Muhammad accuses the UFC of favoritism after Dana White gives the next title shot to Colby Covington. Covington has not fought since his victory over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272. He had fought only once since his Welterweight title bout against Kamaru Usman in 2021. Belal feels an element of favoritism has played a part for Covington.

In an interview with the UFC Unfiltered show, Belal Muhammad talked about Dana White’s absurd liking towards Colby Covington even though he is more qualified for the title bout on paper. He said, “I think it’s just that Colby – I don’t know – maybe Dana White has a love for him, or the UFC sees something in him. Leon’s not really a talker. He’s not a trash talker, he’s not a guy that’s big into media. He barely does any media, and they know that maybe Colby will try to sell the fight more than him, and maybe it will give Leon some type of superstardom.“

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Belal once tweeted and deleted that Covington got the title shot because he is White. Now, he has other theories on why Colby got the title shot. Belal Muhammad has put on excellent performances inside the Octagon. He is on a nine-fight unbeaten streak, including a no-contest against the current Champion Leon Edwards.

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The fight ended after Edwards poked Belal’s eyes in the second round. UFC decided against a rematch. At present, Covington will face Leon Edwards for the Welterweight title match. Reports show that UFC has booked a co-main event fight for UFC 288 featuring Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad.

Related: “Be a professional,” Gilbert Burns blames Belal Muhammad for using ‘religion as an excuse’ for refusing fight at welterweight

UFC books Belal Muhammad vs Gilbert Burns for UFC 288

Belal Muhammad Gilbert Burns
Dana White and UFC books Burns vs Muhammad for UFC 288 (Image Courtesy – LowkickMMA, Overtimer.com)

Former title challenger Gilbert Burns called out Belal Muhammad and Dustin Poirier to co-main event UFC 288. He repeatedly called Dana White last week with the intent of fighting on the next PPV. Rumors mentioned a Paulo Costa vs Jan Blachowicz fight for the same event after Charles Oliveira vs Beneil Dariush fell apart. However, it looks like UFC decided on Belal Muhammad vs Gilbert Burns to replace the Oliveira vs Dariush fight.

The welterweight bout could serve as a potential title eliminator to determine the next contender for the Welterweight title after the Edwards vs Covington fight. Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad had heated exchanges on social media. Finally, the bout is official.

Burns will fight for the second time in less than a month after taking on Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287. Burns will look to outwork Belal and secure the next title shot. It is the biggest fight of Belal’s career, and fight fans will see if he can shine on the biggest stage.

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