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Belal Muhammad Expresses Uncertainty About Next Opponent and Lack of Clear Top Contender
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    Belal Muhammad Expresses Uncertainty About Next Opponent and Lack of Clear Top Contender

    Belal Muhammad doesn’t yet know against whom his first title defence will be, but the UFC welterweight champion says ideally it’ll become clear in the near future.

    “Hopefully we’ll find out soon,” Muhammad told Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter while attending UFC 306 in Las Vegas on Saturday, “but it doesn’t really matter because I’m at the top, so now for me I don’t need to call anybody out.”

    Muhammad extended his unbeaten streak to 11 at UFC 304 in July when he defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision to become a first-time champion at age 36.

    Edwards, now the No. 1-ranked contender at 170 pounds, will not be getting an immediate rematch and previous former champion Kamaru Usman, ranked No. 2, has lost three consecutive bouts. 

    “There’s not a clear No. 1 contender,” Muhammad said.

    Shavkat Rakhmonov is 18-0 with 18 finishes and the logical choice for Muhammad’s first title challenger. 

    Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry are also undefeated in the UFC but likely need at least one more win to be considered for a title shot. Sean Brady is also in the mix at welterweight and coming off a recent win over Gilbert Burns.

    Regardless of who ends up being next, Muhammad hopes the wait isn’t too long.

    “Me, I like to stay active,” the champ added. “If I’m healthy and I’m feeling good, I’d rather be in the cage. That’s what I love to do.”

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    Belal Muhammad, a rising star in the UFC welterweight division, recently expressed uncertainty about his next opponent and the lack of a clear top contender in the division. Muhammad, who is currently ranked #9 in the welterweight division, has been on a hot streak as of late, with impressive wins over the likes of Dhiego Lima and Lyman Good.

    In a recent interview, Muhammad discussed his frustration with the lack of clarity in the welterweight division. With champion Kamaru Usman dominating the division and no clear top contender emerging, Muhammad finds himself in a bit of a holding pattern when it comes to his next fight.

    “I’m ready to fight anyone, but it’s frustrating not knowing who my next opponent will be,” Muhammad said. “There are a lot of talented fighters in the division, but no one has really separated themselves as the clear top contender.”

    Muhammad’s frustration is understandable, as he is eager to continue his climb up the rankings and prove himself against the best in the division. However, with no clear path to a title shot at the moment, Muhammad may have to bide his time and wait for the division to shake out.

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding his next opponent, Muhammad remains focused on his training and improving as a fighter. He is confident that he will continue to rise through the ranks and eventually earn a shot at the welterweight title.

    In the meantime, Muhammad is staying ready and waiting for his next opportunity to step into the Octagon. Whether it’s against a top contender or a rising star, Muhammad is prepared to take on all comers and continue his ascent in the welterweight division.

    As fans eagerly await news of Muhammad’s next fight, one thing is certain: Belal Muhammad is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC welterweight division, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of becoming champion.