Who’s Next for Belal Muhammad after UFC Vegas 51?
Belal Muhammad put on a great display of just how well-rounded he truly is this last Saturday. Muhammad once again proved himself to be considered one of the best welterweights in the world right now.
On Saturday, Muhammad (21-3-0. 1 NC) defeated Vicente Luque by way of unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 51. Despite holding victories over the likes of Dhiego Lima, Demian Maia, and Stephen Thompson, this is his biggest victory yet.
Once rankings are announced, Muhammad will likely slide into the number five spot in the division, putting him in title contention.
Following his victory in Las Vegas, Muhammad had one person in sight, number one ranked Colby Covington.
Belal wants Chaos 👀 #UFCVegas51 pic.twitter.com/Q5Wcts0T5h
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 17, 2022
Despite wanting the fight with Covington, Muhammad will likely have to set his eyes elsewhere. With the UFC eyeing a matchup between surging welterweight Khamzat Chimaev and Covington, Muhammad will likely have to wait to get his hands on “Chaos.”
That leaves the champion, Kamaru Usman, number two ranked Leon Edwards, and number four ranked Gilbert Burns up for discussion for Muhammad’s next bout.
Likely, Edwards will get his due and will be put up against Usman to fight for the title sometime in the summer.
The only matchup left is Gilbert “Durinho” Burns.
If Muhammad doesn’t want to sit out for too long and wait for one of the other contenders, Burns will likely be the next contest for “Remember the Name” Muhammad.
Burns, who is coming off a firework of a fight with Chimaev, is ranked fourth in the division and is a former title challenger. This fight would not only offer Muhammad the chance to get closer to the title, but it would offer a chance to solidify his top-five ranking.
With a win over Burns, Muhammad would be able to truly make a case for a title shot. Not only is this fight possibly the only one available, but frankly, it’s the fight to make at this stage of both Muhammad’s and Burns’ careers.
Who would you have in a potential Muhammad vs. Burns bout?
