When will Leon Edwards get the opportunity to go for the title shot next in his career? This is the question that most of the fans are asking currently. The 32-year-old failed to defend his title in the recently concluded UFC 304 main event against Belal Muhammad. ‘Remember the Name’ won the clash via unanimous decision after nearly dominating the entire fight. But it seems Edward’s longtime coach is confident that the former champion will get a title shot again. However, he might have to face other fighters before getting his hands on the title. Who can be his next opponents? Let us find out.

The welterweight division is, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining divisions in the UFC. It now has a new champion in the form of Belal Muhammad. The 36-year-old wanted to prove that he was the best in the division and did the same in his fight at UFC 304. But what happens with the former champion? When does he get the opportunity to avenge his loss?

Coach Dave Lovell believes he first has to get past some young guns in the division to get back to title contention. He recently sat down for an interview with ‘Submission Radio’ where he discussed the next opponents for ‘Rocky’. During the post-fight press conference, Dana White pointed out that the possibility of a rematch between the pair is not around the corner. However, Lovell was quick to respond and said, “Well, I can understand why Dana is saying that. You know he wants to see a bit more excitement.”

Talking about his journey back to the top of the division, Edwards and his team have a few names in mind, which include Ian Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov. The legendary coach further stated, “But as for the next opponent for Leon, let me think. I don’t know why Tim said he was going to throw a few names out there. Maybe a Shavkat and Ian Garry.”

Lovell also made it clear that, as a former champion, a couple of wins will help the 32-year-old get a title shot. However, the highly anticipated rematch might happen in 2026, as he made it clear by saying, “Yeah, I think Leon could get to Belal, maybe towards 2025, but in the year 2026.”

‘Rocky’ will now have to play the waiting game and wait for his next fight. In the meantime, the new champion has a lot of fighters to choose from for his first title defense. But whom will he face? It seems Shavkat Rakhmonov might just get a nod ahead.

Belal Muhammad has no problem facing Shavkat Rakhmonov next

29-year-old Shavkat Rakhmonov (18-0-0) is currently creating havoc in the welterweight division. ‘Nomad’ is unbeaten in his last five fights and has finished all of his opponents. He is now eyeing the title, and it seems the champion is unfazed by the threat. After his dominating performance at UFC 304, Rakhmonov took to his X account to share a message for the champion.

He congratulated the 36-year-old but also reminded him of his promise and tweeted, “I hope you keep your word and defend your title against me when you’re ready, champ.” ‘Remember the Name’ seems ready for the challenge and answered the question in the post-fight press conference.

The 36-year-old said, “Yeah, of course.” Muhammad then made it clear that he was ready to face anyone inside the Octagon. He has yet to disclose a date for his first title defense, but it seems he is in no mood to back down from any challenge. He added, “I’ve literally never turned down a fight; I never back down from anybody; I’ve had so many people turn down fights against me. So now I’m at the top; I’m the man, and for me, it’s now cementing my legacy as the best welterweight to ever do it.”

Ian Garry (15-0-0) is also waiting in line to get his title shot after some outstanding performances inside the Octagon. Who do you think Belal Muhammad will defend his title against next? Let us know in the comments below.