Since the conclusion of UFC 286, UFC’s welterweight division is in a state of flux. When Dana White allotted the number 1 contender slot to Colby Covington, the champion Leon Edwards was quick to express his distaste about the pick. Further, ‘Rocky’ had made it abundantly clear on numerous occasions that ‘Chaos’ was not the rightful challenger. Meanwhile, the winner of the makeshift fight between Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns also intends to solidify himself as the top contender.

The UFC veteran Chael Sonnen contends the exciting matchup offers a splendid choice as a title contender, but the match loses its significance when the larger picture is factored in. Despite brushing aside a top contender, the winner of the co-main event of ‘Durinho’ and ‘Remember the Name’ at UFC 288 might become the contender in waiting.

Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad share a calendar trouble

The MMA analyst, appearing on his YouTube channel, argued, instead of getting a title shot, the winner might have to wait till the conclusion of Edwards and Covington’s showdown which the champion is reluctant to green signal.

He said, “I mean, that’s one of the problems with me believing that Gilbert and Belal is the number one contender’s match. Just the calendar’s got a problem.”

The matter grew complications as Covington had the title challenger spot and his title shot had no timeline as of now. Further, the British champion denied defending his title against Covington in his latest interview.

Therefore, Sonnen suggested the winner between Burns and Muhammad might have to wait on the sidelines, waiting for his opportunity.

The co-main event winner might have to sit out for 7-8 months

Following this, the Oregon native asserted the winner between them would campaign for his title shot. However, that would only follow up after Covington and Edwards had concluded their fight. Thus, it left a mismatch of almost 7-8 months.

He said, “I’m sharing for you that Colby and Leon are going to fight right. So that’s way over here on the calendar. That’s way over here. Somebody comes out of Gilbert and Belal. I don’t know that they want to wait not only over here.”

“But then for the new training camp and the new cycle. I don’t think they want to sit there for seven months, eight months,” he added later on.

Notably, Colby Covington last faced Jorge Masvidal at UFC 272 in March 2022. His rivals picked up his inactivity inside the Octagon to weaken his title credentials.

Read More: “I Don’t Care if You Cannot Make Weight”: Gilbert Burns Rips Apart Belal Muhammad’s Demand to Fight at Middleweight Ahead of Their UFC 288 Bout

What do you make of these statements by UFC veteran Chael Sonnen? Do you believe the number 1 contender’s spot is still up for grabs? Let us know in the comments below.

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