Belal Muhammad keeps Leon Edwards and Colby Covington on toes after accepting backup fighter role for UFC 296

Belal Muhammad wanted the welterweight title shot after he beat Gilbert Burns and extended his unbeaten streak to nine. However, the UFC booked Colby Covington vs. Leon Edwards for the title. As such, they go into action this weekend in UFC 296. ‘Remember the name’ now agreed to be a backup fighter for the event.

In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Belal Muhammad revealed that the UFC contacted him to be the backup fighter. Muhammad agreed to do whatever it takes to get a title shot. Further, he vented out on Colby Covington and Leon Edwards. Here is what he said:

They just hit me up Friday, asked me if I’m willing to weigh in for next week. I think obviously they know Colby and Leon are the two most inactive welterweights in the division. Neither of these guys likes to fight. They’re both good at running. So just to be on the safe side, they called the dude that always steps up whenever needed.

Belal Muhammad via MMA Junkie

Belal Muhammad mentioned that he kept training after his last fight and was in good shape. He said he felt worse when he stepped up on short notice against Gilbert Burns in his last fight. So, he promised never to get out of shape and remained disciplined. Also, he anticipated a callup from the UFC since two main fights from the last two PPV events were canceled. As such, ‘Remember the Name’ would be the backup fighter this weekend.

Belal Muhammad previously won his fight with Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision. But, the MMA world discredited the win since Burns suffered a shoulder injury early in the fight. However, he is on an illustrious nine-fight unbeaten streak and can’t be denied a title shot for long. As such, he expected to fight for the title next, even if his services aren’t required in UFC 296.

Belal Muhammad questions the credibility of Leon Edwards and Colby Covington

Leon Edwards shot to a new level of fame after dethroning Kamaru Usman in UFC 278. The knockout made headlines for the Rocky story it was. However, Rocky’s resume didn’t impress the #2 ranked welterweight contender, Belal Muhammad. Earlier, ‘Rocky’ discredited Colby Covington for getting a title shot after beating old washed-out fighters. Now, ‘Remember the Name’ didn’t hold back in firing shots at both of them.

After Leon Edwards criticized Colby Covington’s previous wins, Belal Muhammad condemned ‘Rocky’ as he got a title shot off fighting three light weights. He referred to Edwards’ win over Nate Diaz, Rafael dos Ajos, and Donald Cerrone. Further, he was confident they would be startled when they faced him. Here is what he said:

And before Usman, Leon beat 3 lightweights .. they’re both (Leon Edwards and Colby Covington) in for a rude awakening when they’re in front of me.

Belal Muhammad via X

Now, Leon Edwards and Colby Covington fight for the title at UFC 296 while Belal Muhammad weighs in as a backup fighter. Therefore, ‘Remember the Name’ was assured a title shot next. As such, who he fights will be decided this weekend.

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