Belal Muhammad says he’s ‘the best welterweight in the world’ after UFC 288 win over Gilbert Burns
Belal Muhammad has declared himself as the best welterweight in the world.
Muhammad and Gilbert Burns were set to fight on short notice in the co-main event of UFC 288. Although Dana White has been adamant that Colby Covington will get the next title shot, the UFC boss said the winner of this fight would face the winner of that.
Ultimately, it was Muhammad winning a one-sided decision and after the victory, he declared himself the best welterweight alive, despite not holding the belt.
“I told you guys. I’m the best welterweight in the world. To go out there and beat a guy like Gilbert Burns on three weeks’ notice, coming off Ramadan, you guys have no idea what we went through to get to here. I love my team, love my crew. I know with our faith in ourselves and our faith in God, we can get through anything,” Muhammad said after UFC 288.
With Belal Muhammad getting the win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288, it will set him up to fight for the belt next, and hopes it will be against Leon Edwards. The two fought back in 2021 with the fight ending in a No Contest due to an accidental eye poke so Muhammad knows they have unfinished business.
“Leon Edwards, we have unfinished business,” Muhammad said. “He beat the GOAT. He has the longest winning streak. For me, taking that title from him, especially the way that last fight went and for him to be satisfied with a fight decision like that, it goes sweet either way. Both guys could taste my fists, and I’ll be happy with either one… Just give me a cage and some gloves, and I’m ready to throw down.”
Muhammad is currently on a 10-fight unbeaten streak and on the run has wins over Sean Brady, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson, and Demian Maia among others.