Despite his coach’s comments, welterweight champion Leon Edwards says he’s willing to rematch Belal Muhammad.
Edwards’ head coach Dave Lovell told The MMA Hour that he prefers Gilbert Burns next, who lost to Muhammad in his most recent bout at UFC 288. Muhammad and Edwards fought in March 2021, but their bout was ruled a no contest after Edwards accidentally poked Muhammad in the eye and rendered him unable to continue.
Lovell’s comments baffled Muhammad (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC), who accused Edwards of being scared.
“Leon’s opinion doesn’t matter.. his coach doesn’t matter ..the only person I care about is Dana and he gave me his word.. that’s all that matters … we’re next and the fact that they’re showing fear only gives me more confidence ..you should be afraid.”
Leon’s opinion doesn’t matter.. his coach doesn’t matter ..the only person I care about is Dana and he gave me his word.. that’s all that matters … we’re next and the fact that they’re showing fear only gives me more confidence ..you should be afraid
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 20, 2023
Edwards (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) retained his welterweight title in a unanimous decision win over Colby Covington this past Saturday at UFC 296. Muhammad weighed in as a backup for that fight.
At the post-fight news conference, Edwards appeared dismissive of the idea of running things back with Muhammad, but is hinting that it’s the UFC that isn’t interested.
“Lol Belal calm down son you’re the least intimidating person in the organisation. I already told UFC I don’t mind I’ll fight you next that’s easy work. You just have to figure out why they hate you so much.”
lol belal calm down son you’re the least intimidating person in the organisation. I already told UFC I don’t mind I’ll fight you next that’s easy work. You just have to figure out why they hate you so much 😂
— Leon 'Rocky' Edwards (@Leon_edwardsmma) December 21, 2023
Muhammad was declared the No. 1 contender after defeating Burns in May. But despite that, UFC CEO Dana White didn’t commit to Muhammad being next after UFC 296.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
