UFC Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad still targets a middleweight move, regardless of Sean Strickland’s position in the title picture.
Muhammad and Strickland have been engaged in heated exchanges on social media, with Muhammad frequently labelling Strickland as an easy fight. Their online back-and-forth have mostly centred around Strickland’s controversial views on the Middle East conflict.
As Muhammad gears up to defend his welterweight title against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Strickland is set to rematch Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title at UFC 312. Despite his current focus on welterweight, Muhammad has made it clear that a move to middleweight is in his plans.
Belal Muhammad Slams Sean Strickland
During an interview with Submission Radio, Belal Muhammad took aim at Sean Strickland, stating that he’d rather see Strickland knocked out by Dricus Du Plessis and left unconscious. This was when he said;
“I don’t hope [Strickland defeats Du Plessis]; I hope he loses, gets knocked out, and doesn’t wake up,”
“Regardless, I’d always want to move up and fight him, whether he has the belt or not. That’s a fight I’d always say yes to.”
Muhammad didn’t hold back, calling Strickland “the definition of trailer trash” and stating his controversial comments should have consequences.
A potential middleweight matchup between the two is looking likely. If both men lose their upcoming fights, they could face off in a number 1 contender’s fight at middleweight. Alternatively, if they win, Muhammad could be in line for his first double-championship opportunity.
Belal’s Next Title Defence Set
Belal Muhammad’s next welterweight title defence is set against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Rakhmonov handed Ian Garry his first loss at UFC 310. As Muhammad prepares for his fight, another potential contender could emerge from the March 22nd London Fight Night. The main event will feature Leon Edwards facing Jack Della Maddalena, according to Aussie MMA insider ‘Benny P’. Edwards, a former champion, seeks to avenge his loss to Muhammad at UFC 304. Meanwhile, Maddalena is looking for his first UFC title shot. A dominant victory from either fighter could position them as the next contender after Rakhmonov.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
