Belal Muhammad stated that if Khamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, Chimaev will receive a light heavyweight title fight, potentially against Paulo Costa. Belal used the term "vacant" rather than "interim," possibly suggesting that if Carlos Ulberg is sidelined long-term, the belt could become vacant again. The comment raises questions about potential cross-divisional moves for champions. Belal may have misspoken, or he could be speculating about the title situation at 205 pounds. The scenario depends on Chimaev's ability to overcome Strickland in their upcoming bout.
Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has suggested, in comments that are not officially confirmed, that a victory for Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland could lead to Chimaev receiving a light heavyweight title opportunity — possibly against Paulo Costa.
Muhammad's remarks, shared on social media, also included the word "vacant" rather than "interim" when describing the 205-pound belt, hinting that he may believe the light heavyweight title could open up if champion Carlos Ulberg faces a prolonged absence. Whether Muhammad misspoke or is genuinely speculating about the division's direction remains unclear, and the scenario has not been confirmed by the UFC.
Chimaev, ranked first at middleweight and tenth pound-for-pound, carries a 15-1-0 record and represents one of the sport's most complete threats. The 32-year-old from the UAE lands takedowns at a remarkable rate of 5.29 per 15 minutes while also connecting on 60 percent of his significant strikes — the highest accuracy figure among the fighters mentioned.
Strickland, the current middleweight champion, is a 31-7-0 veteran at 35 years old who pressures opponents relentlessly at 6.04 significant strikes per minute. The six-foot-one American out of Xtreme Couture owns a 76-inch reach and has built his title reign on volume and durability.
Costa, the reported potential opponent at light heavyweight, holds a 16-4-0 record and lands significant strikes at 6.26 per minute with a striking accuracy of 58 percent — elite output for a fighter currently ranked thirteenth at middleweight.
Why it matters
- A Chimaev win over Strickland could trigger a cross-divisional title push, an unusual path in UFC history
- Muhammad's use of "vacant" raises unanswered questions about the long-term status of the light heavyweight title
- Any such bout would require Chimaev to move up two weight classes from middleweight
- The entire scenario hinges on an unconfirmed report and has not been announced by the promotion
