Belal Muhammad was not chosen for the match against Leon Edwards at UFC 300

UFC Champion Leon Edwards with Belal Muhammad

In the ever-shifting landscape of UFC matchups, welterweight contender Belal Muhammad finds himself on the sidelines as three potential opponents for UFC 300 have been revealed, none of whom included him, leaving his path to a title shot uncertain.

Despite being ranked second in the welterweight division, Muhammad was not among the three opponents offered to UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards for the coveted UFC 300 fight. This revelation came as a surprise to many, given Muhammad's impressive record and assumed position in line for the next title shot.

UFC President Dana White praised Edwards for his willingness to face any opponent, highlighting the Brit's resilience and determination. 

"Leon Edwards doesn't say no to anybody," White remarked after UFC 298. "This guy could care less. He's up for the challenge. He's ready to fight anybody. I love it and respect it very much."

The three opponents offered to Edwards were Khamzat Chimaev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, as revealed by MMA insider Ariel Helwani. However, for various reasons, none of these matchups materialized, leaving Edwards without a confirmed opponent for the landmark UFC 300 event.

With Muhammad not even considered for the title fight, speculation abounds regarding his future in the division and whether he will indeed receive the next welterweight title shot, as many had anticipated.

As for Edwards, the uncertainty surrounding his next opponent leaves him in a state of limbo, eager to return to the Octagon but unsure of when or against whom. Despite the setback, the British fighter remains focused on his goal, ready to step back into the spotlight as soon as possible.