Leon Edwards coach recently stated they were interested in defending the welterweight title against Gilbert Burns next, leading current No.2 ranked contender Belal Muhammad to suggest that the champ is running scared from him.
“Leon’s opinion doesn’t matter.. his coach doesn’t matter ..the only person I care about is Dana and he gave me his word.. that’s all that matters,” Muhammad said on X.
“We’re next and the fact that they’re showing fear only gives me more confidence ..you should be afraid.”
Muhammad certainly has a strong case that he should be next as he’s currently on a 10-fight winning streak that includes a unanimous decision win over the now 4th ranked Burns in May, and Edwards doesn’t appear to be opposed to the match-up.
“Lol belal calm down son you’re the least intimidating person in the organisation,” Edwards responded. “I already told UFC I don’t mind I’ll fight you next that’s easy work. You just have to figure out why they hate you so much .”
It’s worth pointing out that reigning champion Edwards did actually fight Muhammad back in March of 2021 and won the 1st round and all three judges scorecards before an unfortunate accidental eye-poke early in the 2nd round left his opponent unable to continue.
As such it’s highly unlikely he’s intimidated by Muhammad. Having said that, he must at the very least having some respect for the run his rival has been on since that fight, with ‘Remember The Name’ having won another five fights against good opposition in Sean Brady, Vicente Luque, Stephen Thompson and Damien Maia along with the aforementioned Burns.
