Belal Muhammad agreed to step in on short notice to fight Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 because the UFC needed to save the event after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to injury, and the fight presents a potential opportunity for a title shot.
Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns: A Clash of Welterweights at UFC 288
Belal Muhammad, who is currently ranked fourth in the UFC welterweight division, has not tasted defeat in his last nine fights. So, why did he accept a match on short notice against fifth-ranked Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 last May 15th?
The reason is simple: the UFC needed to save the event. Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion, was supposed to fight Beneil Dariush in the co-main event. However, Oliveira had to withdraw because of an injury. With Burns available and Muhammad returning from observing Ramadan, officials saw an opportunity for a blockbuster fight.
Burns was next in line for a title shot after current UFC champion Leon Edwards and top contender Colby Covington’s planned match. However, Edwards postponed his scheduled fight until October, leaving Burns eager for a fight that can keep him in shape and elevate his status.
Muhammad, on the other hand, had to accept the short-notice fight to keep his opportunity to reclaim his position as next in line for the belt since Burns replaced him. He understands that in MMA, nobody hands you anything, and he must work hard to get it. Winning the fight against Burns will ensure that he’s back on track to secure that coveted belt.
In sum, Muhammad’s decision to accept a short-notice fight against Burns is both a calculated risk and a strategic move. It’s an opportunity he cannot afford to let slip past him, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Only time can tell who will walk out of the Octagon a winner.