Belal Muhammad predicts Chimaev vs Costa for vacant LHW title if Chimaev beats Strickland

Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, Chimaev will receive a light heavyweight title shot against Paulo Costa. Muhammad specifically used the term "vacant" rather than "interim," possibly suggesting he expects the belt to become vacant if current champion Carlos Ulberg is sidelined long-term. This would represent another instance of a champion moving between divisions. Chimaev is currently scheduled to face Strickland in a middleweight bout. Muhammad's prediction assumes Chimaev will defeat Strickland and then move up to 205 pounds.