Belal Muhammad fires back at Colby Covington’s criticism

Belal Muhammad is hopeful that Colby Covington can prove himself and earn another shot to fight for the UFC welterweight title, but he doubts it will happen.

After Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) took the 170-pound strap from Leon Edwards in the UFC 304 headliner last month, three-time title challenger Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) criticized the performance. “Chaos” expressed his intention to secure a showdown with the new champ but doesn’t believe Muhammad will hold onto the title for long.

Muhammad disagrees with Covington’s assessment and plans on having a long reign. He finds it amusing that Covington suddenly wants to fight him after being ignored for years leading up to winning the championship. While he would like to quiet down one of the UFC’s most outspoken athletes in the octagon, he doesn’t see a scenario where Covington can earn a fourth shot at gold.

“He’s a joke,” Muhammad told MMA Junkie. “What is he, 0-3 in title fights? All I needed was one try. You’ll never reach the gold. You’ll never be like me. Keep talking, brother. You said to keep that same energy when we meet. Please. I beg you. Let me see you. I beg you. Let me see you in public, because unless he actually fights other fighters, he won’t get another chance.

“I hope he goes on a good streak, beats some contenders, and finds a way to face me in the cage. But all he has to do is find me at a steakhouse, and we’ll see if he maintains that same energy.”

With Covington not being a priority for Muhammad, the new champion is looking to defend his title this year and considers undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov or former champ Kamaru Usman as possible opponents.