Khamzat Chimaev Could Take Up Their Spot if Gilbert Burns & Belal Muhammad Don’t Fight Soon, Claims Former UFC Champion

The UFC has found itself in a predicament after canceling the co-main event of UFC 288. The fight card for the upcoming pay-per-view will feature former champion Henry Cejudo taking on Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title. There are many fighters who want to be on the card now, as the replacement fight for the co-main event is yet to be announced. ‘Triple C’ believes Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad should take the chance and fight in Newark. If they don’t, Khamzat Chimaev might take the shot.

The co-main event of UFC 288 was scheduled to have the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira head-to-head against top contender Beneil Dariush. But the Brazilian had to pull out from the clash due to an injury he sustained during wrestling practice. The UFC has postponed the fight to a future date.

Gilbert Burns issued a challenge to Belal Muhammad on social media

After the Oliveira vs Dariush match was canceled, UFC 287 winner Gilbert Burns offered a challenge to Belal Muhammad to fill up the vacant co-main event spot for UFC 288. Both fighters mentioned that they were willing to fight anyone, which prompted ‘Durinho’ to suggest a bout between him and ‘Remember the Name’.

Belal Muhammad has won eight out of his last ten fights in the UFC. According to many people, he should get a welterweight title fight next. However, the UFC president dropped a bombshell when he announced Colby Covington as the next challenger for Leon Edwards. Now, he has another chance to carry his momentum forward with a fighter who has been victorious in his previous outing.

Henry Cejudo claims Khamzat Chimaev could get a title shot if Burns and Muhammad don’t fight

Olympic Gold medalist Henry Cejudo mentioned that the vacant co-main event spot has opened the doors for many fighters. He believes they can take advantage of this situation and get inside the octagon to fill in the spot on the card. However, Cejudo suggested that Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns should fight in the co-main event. It is because that fight will decide the next welterweight challenger after Colby Covington.

‘Triple C’ said, “If there’s one thing that I could really tell you guys, whether it’s Belal Muhammad or Gilbert Burns, guys, fight each other. You guys are not getting any younger.” 

He added, “The winner of this fight is going to be the next contender for the belt. Colby and Leon Edwards are going to get in there.” 

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Cejudo believes that as fighters start getting old, they lose their grip on the sport. He also feels that if they don’t step up, Khamzat Chimaev may take their place. “As time starts to go on, you start to lose some of that juice… [Khamzat Chimaev] is the next person in line to get the shot,” said the former champion.

It is interesting to see that Henry Cejudo believes Khamzat Chimaev may get a welterweight title shot since Dana White confirmed ‘Borz’s move to middleweight. Fans need to wait and see if the UFC goes ahead with Muhammad and Burns for the co-main event on May 6.

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