Belal Muhammad doesn’t but know in opposition to whom his first title defence will likely be, however the UFC welterweight champion says ideally it’ll turn out to be clear within the close to future.
“Hopefully we’ll discover out quickly,” Muhammad instructed Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter whereas attending UFC 306 in Las Vegas on Saturday, “nevertheless it doesn’t actually matter as a result of I’m on the high, so now for me I don’t must name anyone out.”
Muhammad prolonged his unbeaten streak to 11 at UFC 304 in July when he defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous choice to turn out to be a first-time champion at age 36.
Edwards, now the No. 1-ranked contender at 170 kilos, won’t be getting a direct rematch and former former champion Kamaru Usman, ranked No. 2, has misplaced three consecutive bouts.
“There’s not a transparent No. 1 contender,” Muhammad mentioned.
Shavkat Rakhmonov is 18-0 with 18 finishes and the logical alternative for Muhammad’s first title challenger.
Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry are additionally undefeated within the UFC however possible want a minimum of another win to be thought of for a title shot. Sean Brady can also be within the combine at welterweight and coming off a latest win over Gilbert Burns.
No matter who finally ends up being subsequent, Muhammad hopes the wait isn’t too lengthy.
“Me, I like to remain energetic,” the champ added. “If I’m wholesome and I’m feeling good, I’d moderately be within the cage. That’s what I like to do.”