UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has made a bold prediction about the light heavyweight division. He believes that if Khamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, Chimaev will receive a title shot at light heavyweight against Paulo Costa. Muhammad specifically used the word 'vacant' when referring to the title, suggesting he believes the belt may become available. This could happen if current champion Carlos Ulberg is sidelined for an extended period due to injury. The prediction has sparked debate about potential championship scenarios in the 205-pound division.
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has floated an unconfirmed but eyebrow-raising prediction about the light heavyweight division, suggesting that Khamzat Chimaev could be on a path toward a 205-pound title shot against Paulo Costa — and notably describing that belt as vacant.
Muhammad's speculation, which has not been officially confirmed by the UFC, hinges on Chimaev first getting past Sean Strickland. The welterweight champion also implied the light heavyweight title may become available, hinting that current champion Carlos Ulberg could be sidelined for an extended period due to injury.
Chimaev, 32, is the top-ranked middleweight in the UFC and sits at number ten in the pound-for-pound rankings. The UAE-based Allstars Training Center product carries a 15-1 record and is one of the more physically imposing fighters in the sport at six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach. His grappling output is exceptional, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes with a striking accuracy of 60 percent.
Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, is a 35-year-old orthodox striker from the United States with a 31-7 record. Fighting out of Xtreme Couture, he throws volume at a high rate, landing 6.04 significant strikes per minute with a 76-inch reach that gives him a clear range advantage over most opponents.
Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight, would represent a bruising stylistic test at any weight class. The Brazilian carries a 16-4 record and lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 58 percent — elite numbers that make him dangerous in any scenario.
Why it matters
- If Ulberg is genuinely sidelined, the light heavyweight title picture becomes wide open
- Chimaev moving up would be a major divisional shakeup across two weight classes
- A potential Chimaev-Costa matchup would pit elite grappling against high-volume Brazilian power striking
- This remains unconfirmed speculation from Muhammad, not an official UFC announcement
