Belal Muhammad believes that if Khamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, he will receive a light heavyweight title fight against Paulo Costa. Interestingly, Belal used the word "vacant" rather than "interim" when describing the title situation. This may have been a mistake, or he could be suggesting that if Carlos Ulberg is out for a lengthy period, the belt would become vacant again. The comment raises questions about potential championship scenarios at 205 pounds. The prediction is contingent on Chimaev securing a victory over Strickland.
Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has floated an unconfirmed prediction that Khamzat Chimaev would earn a light heavyweight title opportunity against Paulo Costa if Chimaev first gets past Sean Strickland — though the claim has not been officially confirmed by the UFC.
Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth pound-for-pound, carries a 15-1-0 record and is widely regarded as one of the sport's most dangerous all-around threats. The 32-year-old from the United Arab Emirates stands six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach and fights out of Allstars Training Center. His wrestling is particularly imposing, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, while his 60 percent striking accuracy makes him equally dangerous on the feet.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is a 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture who holds a 31-7-0 record. The six-foot-one orthodox striker is one of the busiest fighters on the roster, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and carries a 76-inch reach into every contest.
Costa, who Muhammad named as the prospective light heavyweight opponent, holds a 16-4-0 record and sits ranked thirteenth at middleweight. The 35-year-old Brazilian is a high-output pressure fighter, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Muhammad notably used the word "vacant" rather than "interim" when describing the light heavyweight title situation, raising questions about the status of the 205-pound belt
- The comment implies Muhammad may believe Carlos Ulberg's situation could leave the light heavyweight title vacant rather than simply contested for an interim strap
- A potential Chimaev jump to light heavyweight would carry major divisional implications at both 185 and 205 pounds
- Everything hinges on an unconfirmed matchup and Chimaev defeating Strickland, neither of which has been officially announced
