Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, he will receive a light heavyweight title fight against Paulo Costa. Muhammad specifically used the term "vacant" rather than "interim," suggesting either a verbal mistake or speculation that the belt could become vacant if Carlos Ulberg is sidelined long-term. The prediction assumes Chimaev would successfully move up to 205 pounds after beating Strickland. The scenario would represent another instance of champions crossing divisions for title opportunities.
Belal Muhammad has floated an unconfirmed scenario in which Hamzat Chimaev, should he defeat Sean Strickland, would move up to 205 pounds and fight Paulo Costa for what Muhammad described as the vacant light heavyweight title — a prediction that raises immediate questions about the current state of that division.
Muhammad's framing is notable for his use of the word "vacant" rather than "interim," which could reflect a verbal slip or quiet speculation that Carlos Ulberg's hold on the light heavyweight belt may be in jeopardy. Neither UFC matchmakers nor the fighters involved have confirmed any such plan, and the scenario remains entirely unverified.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, carries a 31-7 record and is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute at 42 percent accuracy. The 35-year-old American out of Xtreme Couture also mixes in a modest takedown threat, averaging 0.71 per 15 minutes, and owns a 76-inch reach that aids his pressure-heavy, orthodox style.
Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight and also 35, would be the proposed opponent at light heavyweight in this scenario. The Brazilian carries a 16-4 record and represents a serious striking threat, connecting at 58 percent accuracy while averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute — among the more precise outputs in the sport. He holds a six-foot-one frame and an orthodox stance, and his submission attempt rate sits at zero, underlining a purely stand-and-bang approach.
Ulberg, the third-ranked light heavyweight at 15-1, stands six-foot-four and leads the 205-pound division in striking volume at 6.54 significant strikes per minute. Any scenario involving a vacant title implicitly assumes he would be unable to defend.
Why it matters
- Muhammad's use of "vacant" rather than "interim" hints at possible behind-the-scenes uncertainty around Ulberg's status
- A Chimaev divisional jump would mark another case of a contender chasing cross-division title opportunities
- Costa, currently ranked outside the top ten at middleweight, would be elevated significantly by any light heavyweight title assignment
