Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, he will receive a title fight at light heavyweight against Paulo Costa. Muhammad specifically used the word "vacant" rather than "interim," possibly suggesting he expects the belt to become free if Carlos Ulberg is sidelined long-term. The post questions whether this scenario is realistic for the 205-pound division. Chimaev is currently scheduled to face Strickland in the middleweight division. The prediction represents a significant jump in weight class for Chimaev if it comes to fruition.
Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has offered an eyebrow-raising prediction about the light heavyweight division, suggesting — in a report that has not been officially confirmed — that Hamzat Chimaev could challenge for a vacant 205-pound title against Paulo Costa if Chimaev first defeats Sean Strickland at middleweight.
Muhammad's use of the word "vacant" rather than "interim" was notable, hinting that he may expect the light heavyweight belt to come fully free, potentially if Carlos Ulberg suffers a prolonged setback. The scenario would represent a dramatic leap up the weight classes for Chimaev, who is currently booked to compete at middleweight against Strickland.
Sean Strickland, 35, carries a 31-7-0 record and holds middleweight gold. The American trains out of Xtreme Couture and brings one of the highest output rates in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach at six-foot-one.
Paulo Costa, also 35, sits ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division with a 16-4-0 record. The Brazilian finisher lands an impressive 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, and at six-foot-one he would be giving up considerable size to any true light heavyweight.
Carlos Ulberg, the man whose potential absence seems central to Muhammad's prediction, is ranked third at light heavyweight with a 15-1-0 record. The New Zealand-based City Kickboxing product stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and produces 6.54 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy — numbers that underline why his status matters enormously to the 205-pound picture.
Why it matters
- A vacant light heavyweight title fight would reshape the entire 205-pound division and its ranking structure.
- Costa moving up in weight would be a significant shift for a career middleweight with a naturally smaller frame than elite light heavyweights.
- Chimaev jumping two weight classes after a middleweight bout would be one of the more unusual title paths in recent UFC history.
- Ulberg's long-term availability appears to be the key variable driving this unconfirmed scenario.
