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There’s not an entire lot to say about Leon Edwards’ win over Covington itself. He did what he needed to do in a comparatively uneventful 25 minutes and bought his hand raised with completely no controversy, and he should be counseled for doing so after the reckless phrases Covington spoke pre-fight.
What raised my eyebrow probably the most on the evening of Edwards’ second title protection was his utter dismissal of Belal Muhammad being the subsequent challenger for his belt.
If Edwards (21-3 MMA, 13-2 UFC) needed to say that after a uninteresting struggle with Covington, that Muhammad (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) doesn’t precisely current the most suitable choice for the leisure of the followers, then nice. However for the Brit to basically say Muhammad hasn’t earned it together with his 10-fight unbeaten streak is nonsense.
“I do not really feel like Belal ought to be subsequent.”
Leon Edwards says Belal Muhammad should not be capable to “skip the road” for a title shot after his #UFC296 win. pic.twitter.com/iz3iydwenu
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 17, 2023
Love him or hate him, Muhammad has earned his alternative to problem for that belt, and although he’s a polarizing determine, there’s sufficient to advertise the struggle. His historical past with Edwards going again to their March 2021 struggle that ended with in a no contest due to an eye poke from Edwards to Muhammad is one thing to work off of, and it’s the fitting merit-based bout.
Edwards mentioned Muhammad could be reducing he line with a title shot, however once more, that’s flawed. Muhammad is the road proper now, and although Rakhmonov has been tremendous spectacular in his run, the names on his resume aren’t nearly as good as Muhammad. That’s only a truth.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 296.
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