Last minute rival, Belal Muhammad promises to 'steal' title fight from Leon Edwards

B. Muhammad (photo) hopes to displace L. Edwards and steal the challenger spot. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After accepting the challenge to replace Khamzat Shimaev and exchange forces with Leon edwards, Belal Muhammad | has high expectations for the UFC Las Vegas 21, this Saturday (13). Facing one of the main names in the welterweight division (up to 77kg), the North American expects a great performance and, with that, a 'promotion' to a possible title fight. In conversation with the press, the fighter spoke about his expectations for the duel.

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“This is the fight I want. I want to fight the best. This is what we are paid to do. So, for me, being in a main fight against the number three in the world, a guy that Dana White said that if he wins he will have a title shot, I'm going to go there and steal this opportunity from him”, said Muhammad.

Willing to make the organization's history, Belal agreed to face Edwards without adequate time to prepare. The North American last performed in February, when he crashed Dhiego Lima. The lack of rest, however, does not seem to be a problem for the fighter.

“I’m going to have a performance that people won’t forget. It's going to be one of those fights that everyone will remember. So, me going there, putting on a great fight, a great show, and ending the Leon edwards, people will want this fight (against the champion, Kamaru Usman)”, he concluded.

Coming off four consecutive victories, Muhammad is having a great time in Ultimate. The athlete's last defeat happened in January 2019, when he lost to Geoff neal. Today, the North American occupies 13th place in the ranking led by Usman.

While Belal seeks to continue his journey towards the top of the category, Edwards will try to defend his position and win the long-awaited title fight. As Muhammad stated, Dana White recently confirmed that, if the Englishman wins at the weekend, he will compete for the title.

Currently, Leon has eight positive results in a row and occupies third place in the group. The Englishman has not been beaten for over five years, when he was surpassed by the current champion, Kamaru.