Belal Muhammad (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Belal Muhammad likely won’t be fighting Colby Covington next. But, that hasn’t stopped the welterweight contender from expressing his desire to battle the former interim champ.

Since Kamaru Usman defeated Jorge Masvidal for a second time this past April, UFC President has said Covington will receive a rematch with the champion. But, while speaking with MMA Junkie recently, Muhammad had this to say about Covington’s expected, title shot.

“I still don’t understand why Colby’s getting the title fight,” Muhammad said. “Yeah, it was a great fight, but you got your jaw broken and you’ve been sitting on the sidelines ever since that fight.”

“Usman fought three times since that fight, and you’re just sitting out,” Muhammad continued. “It’s not like you’re a huge pay-per-view draw. It’s not like if I’m Usman, I’m like, ‘Yeah, let me get that Colby fight, I’m gonna get 800,00 pay-per-views.’ The first one did 200,000 pay-per-views, so it’s not like you’re gonna make a big payday with that, regardless.”

Following Covington’s stoppage loss to Usman in 2019, the outspoken fighter has competed just once. In September 2020 he recorded a TKO win over Tyron Woodley.

Muhammad, meanwhile, continues to make it clear he’s still hoping to face Covington.

“I want Colby more than anybody,” Muhammad said. “The hatred I have for that guy is levels above Leon (Edwards). Of course I want Leon back just because the way that one ended, but Colby’s still a level above him.”

The 32-year-old Muhammad (19-3-1) is coming off a decision win over Demian Maia, after his bout with Edwards was declared a no-contest. Muhammad was unable to continue after absorbing an accidental eye poke in the second round.