After every UFC title fight, the Sunday morning matchmakers in the fan and analyst space start plotting and scheming over whom they think should be next in line for a crack at the belt.
In the case of Belal Muhammad’s welterweight title win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July, a name got dropped into the conversation that has proven to be polarizing.
Former champ Kamaru Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) has lost three straight – two to Edwards in title fights, then a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Yet he’s been one of the most prominent names linked to the potential for a first title defense for Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC), who needed a 10-fight unbeaten streak to get his title shot.
