Vicente Luque disagrees with the potential title shot for Colby Covington against UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, suggesting instead Belal Muhammad, who has been undefeated for over four years, as the more deserving contender.
The UFC is yet to proclaim a challenger for Leon Edwards for the welterweight title, and Vicente Luque doesn’t understand why it would be Colby Covington. Former interim titleholder, Covington, also known as “Chaos”, has been prominent in the fighting scene, having been a back-up plan for Edwards against Kamaru Usman in March. UFC president Dana White has hinted that he could be next in line for a shot at the title, a suggestion that Edwards critiqued in April, stating, “I don’t know why he’s getting pushed so much.”
Meanwhile, Luque is eyeing a comeback into the titular scene after winning over Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Vegas 78. Luque is puzzled by the insistence on having Covington as a challenger for the title since Covington’s last fight was back in March 2022. Luque’s confusion is due to Covington’s victory over Jorge Masvidal via decision four months post another title match loss. Speaking at Martial Arts podcast, Trocação Franca, Luque stated, “I think it’s a very complicated situation because it makes no sense whatsoever as a sport. I would go with Belal.”
In the last four years, Belal Muhammad has remained undefeated, boasting nine wins and a no-contest against Edwards due to a feud ending via an unintentional eye-poke just 19 seconds into the second round. Muhammad has victories against Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Luque. Luque advocates for Muhammad, stating, “I think you can build a story there, the fact it’s a rematch and there was a no contest. He’s putting in the work.” He further suggests that Leonard Edwards against Muhammad would make for an ideal welterweight headliner.
In his conclusion, Luque suggests, “They could make Leon Edwards against Belal and put Kamaru vs. Colby 3 in the co-main event. If Colby wins, cool, he fights [for the title]. That’s a possibility.” Thus, highlighting his standpoint about Muhammad deserving a title shot while also recognizing Covington’s potential.