Gilbert Burns who previously fought for undisputed gold back in 2021, believes Belal Muhammad is the rightful next contender to challenge Leon Edwards for the welterweight strap.
Not too long ago, Dana White admitted in the UFC 298 post-fight press conference, that current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards, was offered three separate fights to compete at UFC 300, with the Brummy saying ‘yes’ to all three.
Since then it has been rumored who the three fighters were that ‘Rocky’ was offered, with it believed Belal Muhammad was not one of them.
That is despite the fact that Muhammad is undefeated in his last 10 fights. ‘Remember the name’ has been campaigning for a title shot for several years now, and it seemed as though he was the clearest contender.
Gilbert Burns backs Muhammad as the next contender
Gilbert Burns, who fights this coming weekend at UFC 299 against Jack Della Maddalena, has labeled the UFC’s treatment of Belal, ‘disrespectful’.
Speaking at the UFC 299 media day, Burns admitted that he believes Muhammad should be next, despite him not being his ‘favorite’ fighter to watch.
“I think Belal is next you know, the guy deserves it. He’s not my favorite guy to watch but he does a good job, he goes in there and beats everybody.
“It’s a little bit disrespectful with the guy offering Khamzat (Chimaev) and I don’t know if it was Islam (Makhachev) or Shavkat I don’t know who the three were (that were offered), but I think Belal deserves the title shot, even then I don’t like him that much but he’s paid his dues he’s been beating everybody.”
The UFC is rumored to be returning to the UK in July for an event in Manchester, however, it is unclear whether that will be a PPV event or a Fight Night event.
Following Leon Edwards’ win against Colby Covington back in December, his head coach, Dave Lovell told The MMA Hour, that he wants a fight with Gilbert Burns next instead of a fight with Muhammad.
“I like that, my ego loves that but it’s not necessarily what’s going to happen like I said the guy (Muhammad) deserves it. Get through him do what you’ve got to do and then I hope to get the title shot soon, so. Next month marks 10 years since I signed with the UFC, I think I have an amazing career so far but I still want to taste the title.” Burns responded.
If Gilbert Burns can successfully stop the surge of Jack Della Maddalena this weekend at UFC 299 in Miami, then he will once again be part of the welterweight title picture.