Newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad stunned everyone with his impressive performance against Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in Manchester, held at the Co-op Live Arena. Muhammad secured a unanimous decision victory in the main event and achieved his goal of becoming champion. While the victory was celebrated by many, UFC CEO Dana White‘s reaction in the octagon was notably subdued. As Muhammad was crowned champion, White’s expression remained unchanged from his usual demeanor while placing the belt on the new champion.

Now, in an interview with Kevin Iole of ‘KEVINIOLE.COM’, Dana White addressed the situation regarding Belal Muhammad’s growing fanbase. When Iole began questioning White about it, White acknowledged the underlying message. “100 percent,” White said. “Well, let me say this, to be fair, I tried, I was in a bad mood, I was, you know, at that press conference. And, you know, it depends on when you catch me. Yeah, um, Belal went out there, implemented his game, fought his game, and did his thing.” UFC CEO further explained that he doesn’t hate Belal Muhammad.

It was the popular belief before that Leon Edwards was Dana White’s favorite choice, and many predicted that Edwards would be protected to maintain his dominance, as Edwards showcased his dominance in their previous fight against Belal Muhammad at UFC Vegas 21. However, the fight was ruled a no contest due to an unintentional eye poke by Edwards. Regardless, Belal Muhammad dashed the hopes of Edwards’ supporters.

However, there might be good news on the horizon for Leon Edwards fans and those disappointed by his title loss. Interestingly, Leon Edwards’ coach, Dave Lovell, hinted at a potential rematch in the future.

Leon Edwards’s coach reveals expected rematch year

After Leon Edwards failed to defend his title against Belal Muhammad, everyone’s mind immediately turned to when Edwards would get his next title shot. This question initially went unanswered, but now his long-time coach, Dave Lovell, has weighed in. While Lovell believes Edwards will eventually get another title shot, he acknowledges that Edwards may need to face other fighters in the welterweight division first.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, the coach addressed Dana White’s reluctance to schedule a third fight between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. Lovell said, “Well, I can understand why Dana is saying that. You know he wants to see a bit more excitement.” Lovell is pointing out Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakmonov as potential opponents for Leon Edwards. Further, Coach Dave Lovell offered a projected timeline for a potential Belal Muhammad vs. Leon Edwards 3, saying, “Yeah, I think Leon could get to Belal, maybe towards 2025, but in the year 2026.”

What’s your take on Dana White’s facial reaction when he was wrapping the belt around Belal Muhammad’s waist? Was it something else, or was Dana really upset that Leon Edwards couldn’t defend his title? Comment your thoughts below.