Belal Muhammad predicts Chimaev gets light heavyweight title shot vs Costa if he beats Strickland

Belal Muhammad believes that if Hamzat Chimaev defeats Sean Strickland, Chimaev 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 may have been an error, or Muhammad could be speculating that if Carlos Ulberg is sidelined long-term, the belt would become vacant again. The prediction suggests Chimaev could jump weight classes for a championship opportunity at 205 pounds. Muhammad's comments add to speculation about Chimaev's future and the light heavyweight division's trajectory.