Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, he will receive a title fight at light heavyweight against Paulo Costa. Muhammad used the term "vacant" rather than "interim" when discussing the potential title bout. This suggests he may believe that if Carlos Ulberg is sidelined for an extended period, the belt could become vacant again. The prediction represents a significant potential career shift for Chimaev, who would be moving up a weight class. The scenario hinges entirely on Chimaev's performance against Strickland in their upcoming bout.
Belal Muhammad has floated an unconfirmed scenario in which Hamzat Chimaev could challenge for the light heavyweight title against Paulo Costa — but only if Chimaev first gets past Sean Strickland in their upcoming middleweight bout.
Muhammad's prediction, which has not been officially confirmed by the UFC, carries an extra layer of intrigue because he reportedly used the word "vacant" rather than "interim" when describing the potential 205-pound title fight. That choice of words implies Muhammad may believe Carlos Ulberg's hold on the light heavyweight division could be in jeopardy, potentially leaving the belt open if Ulberg misses an extended period of competition.
Strickland, the current middleweight champion, enters the Chimaev fight carrying a 31-7 record at 35 years old. The American out of Xtreme Couture is one of the sport's most active strikers, averaging 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and brings a six-foot-one frame and a 76-inch reach into the cage.
Costa, the reported opponent in the speculated title fight, holds a 16-4 record and sits ranked thirteenth in the middleweight division at 35 years old. The Brazilian is a punishing striker who lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, and he would theoretically be making the same jump to light heavyweight in this scenario.
Ulberg, whose status appears central to whether the belt becomes available, is currently ranked third in the light heavyweight division. The New Zealand standout out of City Kickboxing is 15-1 and six-foot-four, with a 77-inch reach and an accuracy rate of 55 percent.
Why it matters
- A Chimaev victory over Strickland would shake the middleweight division and potentially open a path to 205 pounds
- Muhammad's use of "vacant" rather than "interim" hints at uncertainty surrounding Ulberg's availability as champion
- Costa moving up to light heavyweight would represent a significant weight class change for the Brazilian contender
- The entire scenario remains unverified and depends on multiple variables falling into place
