At UFC 296, the final PPV of 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating the welterweight title clash between Leon “Rocky” Edwards and Colby “Chaos” Covington. Edwards, who secured the title at UFC 278 from Kamaru Usman, defended it at UFC 286 against Usman.
Covington, initially the backup fighter for UFC 286, was later granted the next title shot by UFC CEO Dana White, much to Edwards’ dismay. Nevertheless, the upcoming classic striker vs. wrestler matchup promises to deliver an exciting spectacle for fans.
Who will be the back-up fighter for Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington at UFC 296?
Colby Covington’s last fight inside the octagon was against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March of 2022. Since then, he was rumored to fight Khamzat Chimaev but Chimaev moved up to middleweight and won against Kamaru Usman. However, Colby weighed in as the backup fighter at UFC 286 in March of 2023 in a surprising move by both the fighter and the promotion.
This strategic decision bolstered Covington’s chances of securing a third title shot, despite his previous two unsuccessful attempts against the long-reigning champion, Kamaru Usman. Currently ranked as the second welterweight contender, Belal Muhammad has now stepped in as the backup for the event, expressing in an interview with Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie, ‘I’m weighing in as the backup.’
“They’re like, ‘Bro, would you be willing to weigh in? Would you be willing to step up, be the backup, cut this weight for us?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, of course, man,” Muhammad further said explaining the scenario that happened before being adjudged the backup for the fight. Muhammad had once fought Edwards on short notice but the fight ended in a No Contest after an inadvertent eye poke on the part of Edwards.
🚨| Belal Muhammad will weigh-in as the back-up fighter for the #UFC296 welterweight title main event between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) December 10, 2023
[per @MMAJunkie]#UFC296 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/VSCLBNjErt
Will Belal Muhammad be in title picture after UFC 296?
Colby Covington earned a title shot after serving as the backup for a title fight, implying that Belal Muhammad may secure the next title shot after UFC 296. Both Covington and Edwards have plans for their next title defense if victorious at UFC 296.
Covington aims to defend the title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after the event. On the other hand, Edwards wants to move up in weight and face the winner of the UFC 297 middleweight title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.
Two most inactive bums in welterweight. Leon’s fought 4 times since 2021 Colby’s fought twice and ..I fought 7 times .. https://t.co/LuYtHrDUr7
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 10, 2023
Belal Muhammad is confident of getting the next title shot. It needs to be noted that the winner of the Burns vs Muhammad matchup was promised the next title shot by Dana White.
“I’m a company guy. I’ve stepped up multiple times on short notice to fight for these guys. I’ve helped out pay-per-view, the last one, three weeks’ notice to fight the number four guy in the world, Gilbert Burns,” Belal said to Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie.
“Colby and Leon, neither one of these guys are fighting tough competition. Leon, before Usman, fought three lightweights in a row. Kobe’s only beaten guys over 35, 36, who are on losing streaks,” Muhammad said about the credentials of Covington and Edwards who he feels, are inferior to his resume.
Do you think Belal Muhammad will get the next title shot after UFC 296? Leave your thoughts below!
