UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad doesn't believe he's fighting for the title against the division's best this weekend.
Muhammad's long-awaited chance to reach the mountaintop on mixed martial arts' biggest stage is now just days away, with the 36-year-old set to challenge for Leon Edwards' gold in the main event of UFC 304.
The pay-per-view card will be staged inside the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, this Saturday night, with Edwards and Muhammad's second dance set to follow another title rematch between interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes.
"Remember the Name" will make the walk through a hostile crowd as the underdog on July 27, tasked with achieving a feat that both Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington have failed to since "Rocky's" 2022 crowning.
But Muhammad has unwavering confidence when it comes to upsetting the odds. And to do so, the challenger doesn't think he even needs to beat a top-three welterweight in the UFC...
Muhammad Puts Himself, Usman, Rakhmonov Above UFC 304 Opponent Edwards
During a recent interview with Kaz Crossley for Title Sports Network, Muhammad looked ahead to his first title opportunity in enemy territory this weekend and assessed the man looking to stall his championship ambitions.
When asked to rank his current top five in the welterweight division, Muhammad put Edwards all the way down at fourth, below a man the champ has beaten consecutively in recent years, ex-titleholder Usman.
I would be one. Then I would put Kamaru two, Shavkat (Rakhmonov) three. I would put Leon four. And then number five, I would put Jack Della (Maddalena)," Muhammad said. "Man, you're gonna lose the last couple fans you have left once I take the belt away from you. sorry bro. ... I don't like Leon. My other opponents, I didn't wanna fake it (trash talk) with like, a 'Wonderboy' or a Maia. ... It's easier to bully him (Edwards).
Muhammad will look to prove his claim to superiority over Edwards come fight night in Manchester this weekend and secure the division's top spot in the process.
Should he accomplish that feat, all signs point toward a first defense against the undefeated Rakhmonov. And given Muhammad's rankings, he'd no doubt be confident of a successful title retention.
Loading tweet...