Former UFC title challenger Din Thomas believes Belal Muhammad has traveled a path of unprecedented difficulty in order to secure a first shot at gold.
Muhammad, who currently occupies the #2 spot at 170 pounds, is less than two weeks out from his long-awaited maiden title opportunity, which he's been calling for and working toward for a number of years.
"Remember the Name" is set to challenge for Leon Edwards' belt in the main event of the UFC 304 pay-per-view, which goes down at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27.
Since eye pokes resulted in a no contest when Muhammad and Edwards first shared the cage back in 2021, the former has won five straight, bringing his overall unbeaten streak to 10.
After statement wins over Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, and Sean Brady, Muhammad most recently staked his claim with a convincing five-round display opposite Gilbert Burns last May.
While that result left him as the clear top contender in the eyes of many, Muhammad was left waiting while Colby Covington received his third shot at the undisputed throne.
Thomas: Muhammad Has Been 'Cutting His Teeth On Doing Everything He Needs To'
Speaking while on the ESPN desk to analyse this past weekend's UFC Fight Night in Denver, Din Thomas gave his take on the upcoming championship matchup at 170 pounds.
After stressing the importance of Muhammad not allowing Edwards any breathing room on fight night, Thomas acknowledged the trials and tribulations that have gone into securing this moment for the challenger.
He's gotta go out there and put pressure on Leon. He's gotta put pressure on him and keep pressure on him for five rounds," Thomas said. "His body of work over the last few fights, over the last few years, and the improvements that he's made has shown that he can do exactly that.
He's been training with the Dagestani wrestlers. He's been cutting his teeth on doing everything he needs to do in order to get this shot," Thomas continued. "No one has probably earned a shot like he has in the UFC in the history of people deserving shots.
Having finally booked his place opposite Edwards inside the Octagon, Muhammad will hope to make the most of the opportunity by leaving hostile territory with the welterweight gold in his possession.
"Remember the Name" has expressed immense confidence when it comes to his chances of doing so. That's not just when it comes to having his hand raised, but also stopping the welterweight kingpin before the championship rounds at UFC 304.