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UFC Welterweight champion Leon Edwards has never expressed any interest in rematching Belal Muhammad. The two squared off in March 2021, and Edwards dominated the first round before an eye poke early in the second ended the bout as a “No Contest.” “Rocky” must feel satisfied with that early success, even if most of 20 minutes still remained on the clock.
After his successful title defense over Colby Covington at UFC 296, Edwards would rather jump weight classes next for a more marketable super fight than fight “Bully” again. Alternatively, his team would rather see him fight Gilbert Burns next … even though that’s the man Muhammad last beat back in May!
Muhammad, who currently rides a 10-fight unbeaten streak, is clearly a deserving contender in terms of merit, and his five-round win over “Durinho” was supposed to officially secure him a shot at gold. In his response to the latest dismissal from Team Edwards, Muhammad has revealed he’s been promised the next shot by UFC CEO Dana White.
He also thinks Edwards’ disinterest has him looking fearful.
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
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
Given Shavkat Rakhmonov’s ankle injury, there’s really no other obvious alternative for Edwards’ next title defense. 155-pound king Islam Makhachev wants his own super fight opportunity, but there are plenty of elite Lightweight contenders waiting their shot at his crown too. So, while Muhammad seems like the logical move, fighters have certainly been burned off promises for more marketable fights in the past.
Insomnia
An adjustment to the first UFC event of 2024:
B.Hafez out. Matthew Semelsberger in, will fight Preston Parsons at #UFCVegas84 on January 13th. (first rep. @LynchOnSports) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2024 pic.twitter.com/vWtCamg1RD
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) December 20, 2023
Chronically online folks are upset about Charles Oliveira’s belt promotion because Muay Thai traditionally doesn’t award belts in Thailand, but … plenty of Brazilian gyms do! Who cares?!? Good for “Do Bronx.”
If UFC doesn’t (rightfully) force Tony Ferguson into retirement, this feels like the match up to make. Or maybe Jim Miller at UFC 300?
Tony Ferguson vs Clay Guida:
Guida wins, Ferguson owns the outright record for longest losing streak in UFC history.
Ferguson wins, Guida owns the outright record for most losses in UFC history.
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) December 20, 2023
Kazakhstan loves Shavkat Rakhmonov! Sure looks like star potential to me.
Shavkat Rakhmonov got SWARMED by fans and media today when returning to Kazakhstan after beating Wonderboy wow pic.twitter.com/J89yDY8912
— OOC MMA (@oocmma) December 20, 2023
On one hand, this was a really poor idea that probably ruined this dude’s life. On the other, it was a pretty decent Jorge Masvidal impression.
Young man tries a flying switch knee on a Las Vegas cop.
How to go to jail. Quickly.Follow @hazardous.tv on I.G to stay connected
?? ????Viewer Discretion is Strongly Advised??
??For situational awareness purposes only?? pic.twitter.com/4bD7dD7PHl— Mr.Hazardous (@Mr_HazardousTV) July 9, 2023
Sparring Ilia Topuria looks like a miserable proposition.
Ilia Topuria sparring. Light work. pic.twitter.com/BG8nVwfCsZ
— The Fight Game (@TheFightGame___) December 19, 2023
Wrestling legend (both kinds!) Kurt Angle reacts to a new meme.
— Meng’s Mullet (@MengsMullet) December 20, 2023
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Pre-fight injury or just a couple insanely hard low kicks? Impossible to say.
PFL vet Nikolay Aleksakhin just finished Magomedsaygid Alibekov with 2 low kicks in about 13 seconds. Alibekov is no pushover either, his last win was over Alexey Kunchenko last year. #RCC17 pic.twitter.com/ByuQdBKycR
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) December 15, 2023
Shane Campbell’s UFC career didn’t go great, but “Shaolin” always had some slick stand up.
Crazy way to finish the year for @unifiedmma with this incredible Shane Campbell knockout win over Darrell Horcher.
In 2023, the main cards of @unifiedmma events produced an 82% finish rate. pic.twitter.com/mQnbAFXbvz
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) December 16, 2023
Showed the left to load up the right.
Jose Valenzuela with a vicious knockout of Chris Colbert in round 6! #ColbertValenzuela pic.twitter.com/TKfI9JuXYO
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 17, 2023
Random Land
Extreme sports for a cause.
The Brazilian skydiver Luigi Cani executed one of the most important jumps of his life in the Amazon.
On this occasion, the holder of the world record for the smallest parachute jump in the world, took more than 100 million seeds – from 27 species of trees native to the local… pic.twitter.com/QtHSbXNgb2
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) December 12, 2023
The moment, Parachutist Luigi Cani made one of the most important jumps of his career in the Amazon region. He took 100 million seeds of 27 native trees to a deforested area in the heart of the Amazon. The box is biodegradable. pic.twitter.com/TG2QS35Q0s
— Ozor Ndi Ozor (@eemmanuels4) December 12, 2023
Midnight Music: Ballad, 1960
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.