Belal Muhammad is not happy with Leon Edwards.
The mixed martial arts (MMA) world thought it knew what was next atop Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Welterweight division. A championship rematch between the current titleholder, Edwards, and top contender, Muhammad, makes sense going forward. Yet, “Remember the Name” remains waiting.
UFC 300 appeared to be a strong possibility for the rematch to land this past weekend (April 13, 2024). Ultimately, Edwards was the only one in the conversation to be a part of the mega event. With the card now in the rear-view mirror, there hasn’t been any further indication regarding which direction the promotion wants to go with its 170-pound kingpin.
“They’re like the fakest team I’ve ever seen in my life, I’ve never seen anybody lie so much or try to make it seem like they aren’t afraid,” Muhammad told MiddleEasy. “You had his coach call for Gilbert Burns after I beat Gilbert Burns. You had his brother call for a Conor McGregor fight. They’re coming up with every other reason to avoid me. It’s blatant, the fans are starting to see it now. You have his manager doing the same thing. When you have all of these guys talking for you, that just tells me you’re that coward that’s hiding behind.
“You’re the champion of the world,” he continued. “If you’re the best fighter in the world, fight the best guy in the division that’s right behind you. I know I’m the best in the world, and he knows I’m the best in the world. That’s why he’s trying to avoid this fight because I’m the toughest matchup for him. He’s trying to do anything he can do to hold on to the belt as long as possible.”
Edwards and Muhammad are both riding lengthy 10+ fight unbeaten streaks with their lone bout in question as the one they had against each other in March 2021. Muhammad, 35, was rendered unable to continue after a second round eye poke, which resulted in a no contest.
UFC is expected to return to Manchester, England for UFC 304 during the summertime. The Birmingham-born champion, Edwards, makes for a perfect option to defend in the home game. If presented with the opportunity, Muhammad is more than happy to go into enemy territory.
“I hate his guts,” Muhammad said. “The Leon fight, they’re trying to avoid me. Him trying to act like downplaying my accomplishments and telling me I don’t deserve it, I never earned it. That stuff does nothing but piss me off. It’s fueling me with hatred for this guy, and I just can’t wait to get in there and get my hands on him.”