Leon Edwards’ Coach Prefers Gilbert Burns Next; Belal Muhammad Responds

While Belal Muhammad is the most logical opponent for Leon Edwards’ next title defense, the champ’s coach Dave Lovell would prefer Gilbert Burns.

Edwards (22-3) defended his strap in a dominant decision win against Colby Covington (17-4) at UFC 296 last weekend. Many believe Muhammad, who is unbeaten in his last outings, deserved the shot over Covington, who hadn’t fought since March 2022.

While Muhammad weighed in as the backup fighter for UFC 296, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White wasn't clear about Muhammad receiving the next welterweight title shot during his post-fight comments.

Interestingly, Edwards’ coach Lovell would like for his pupil to face Gilbert Burns, whom Muhammad defeated via an emphatic decision in May. While Lovell knows it’s unlikely to come about, he believes “Durinho” presents a more marketable fight than Muhammad, who has often been criticized for being a decision fighter.

“Dana didn’t announce that it would be Belal so we’re just as bewildered as you. If it’s Belal, so be it. We’ve had a feel of him already. We know what he’s about. He has improved. If it’s Belal, it’s Belal. But you never know with these people. Shavkat [Rakhmonov], he had the foot injury so I don’t think he’d be ready for April, maybe not. Belal would be ready to go, but will Belal and Leon really be a big pay-per-view? You’ve got to look at it from the business point of view.”

“Who else could we go for? Preference? Let’s put it real, Belal’s earned his place, hasn’t he? Even though he still hasn’t done what Leon did, go through the tribulations Leon did, but he’s earned himself his contendership. To be honest, if I really had the choice, but I don’t think it will happen, I would like Leon to fight [Gilbert] Burns. I think Burns wants to have a couple more before he’s a contender for Leon but if I had a choice who would be next, I would prefer Burns over Belal because I think Burns brings more to the table than Belal,” Lovell said on “The MMA Hour.”

Responding to Lovell’s comments, Muhammad wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter):

“So, this is how Leon learns his ducking technique”

Further reminding White of his promise, Muhammad wrote in a follow-up tweet:

“Leon’s opinion doesn’t matter.. his coach doesn’t matter ..the only person I care about is Dana and he gave me his word.. that’s all that matters … we’re next and the fact that they’re showing fear only gives me more confidence ..you should be afraid”

Both Edwards and Muhammad’s long win streaks are only marred by their initial outing ending in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke from “Rocky” back in 2021. Meanwhile, Burns has just been booked against Jack Della Maddalena for UFC 299 on March 9.