Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, he will receive a light heavyweight title fight against Paulo Costa. Muhammad used the term 'vacant' rather than 'interim' when discussing the potential title bout. This could suggest that if Carlos Ulberg is out long-term, the belt might become vacant again. The scenario assumes Chimaev would move up to 205 pounds for the opportunity.
Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has floated an unconfirmed scenario in which Hamzat Chimaev could move up two weight classes to compete for light heavyweight gold against Paulo Costa, but only if Chimaev first gets past Sean Strickland.
According to the unverified report, Muhammad suggested the potential title fight at 205 pounds would be for a vacant belt rather than an interim one — a distinction that hints the light heavyweight title could be stripped entirely if current divisional contender Carlos Ulberg faces a prolonged absence. The scenario remains speculative and has not been confirmed by the UFC.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, carries a 31-7 record and is 35 years old. Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, the six-foot-one American is one of the most active strikers in the division, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute, and owns a 76-inch reach that helps him control range from his orthodox stance.
Costa, ranked thirteenth at middleweight, holds a 16-4 record and would represent a significant step up in weight for any potential light heavyweight title picture. The Brazilian, also 35, is a high-output pressure fighter who lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent striking accuracy — among the best in the division. He stands six-foot-one with a 72-inch reach.
Ulberg, the third-ranked light heavyweight who sits at the center of this reported vacancy discussion, is 15-1 and fighting out of City Kickboxing in New Zealand. The six-foot-four, 35-year-old New Zealander averages 6.54 significant strikes per minute with a 55 percent accuracy rate and carries a 77-inch reach.
Why it matters
- A vacant light heavyweight belt would open the title picture to fighters outside the traditional top contender queue
- Chimaev moving to 205 pounds would represent a two-division jump from welterweight
- Costa transitioning to light heavyweight for a title shot would be a significant weight-class move of his own
- Ulberg's status at 205 remains the key variable in whether this reported scenario becomes relevant
