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Belal Muhammad doesn’t yet know against whom his first title defence will be, but the UFC welterweight champion says ideally it’ll become clear in the near future.
“Hopefully we’ll find out soon,” Muhammad told Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter while attending UFC 306 in Las Vegas on Saturday, “but it doesn’t really matter because I’m at the top, so now for me I don’t need to call anybody out.”
Muhammad extended his unbeaten streak to 11 at UFC 304 in July when he defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision to become a first-time champion at age 36.
Edwards, now the No. 1-ranked contender at 170 pounds, will not be getting an immediate rematch and previous former champion Kamaru Usman, ranked No. 2, has lost three consecutive bouts.
“There’s not a clear No. 1 contender,” Muhammad said.
Shavkat Rakhmonov is 18-0 with 18 finishes and the logical choice for Muhammad’s first title challenger.
Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry are also undefeated in the UFC but likely need at least one more win to be considered for a title shot. Sean Brady is also in the mix at welterweight and coming off a recent win over Gilbert Burns.
Regardless of who ends up being next, Muhammad hopes the wait isn’t too long.
“Me, I like to stay active,” the champ added. “If I’m healthy and I’m feeling good, I’d rather be in the cage. That’s what I love to do.”
