Leon Edwards now has a new opponent for his March 13 fight in the UFC.
Belal Muhammad has stepped up on short notice to face Edwards, agreeing to the welterweight bout not even a week after getting a win over Dhiego Lima at UFC 258. The fight will serve as the main event for the March 13 UFC Fight Night card and will be five rounds.
ESPN was the first to report the news, and the UFC later confirmed it.
The replacement comes after the initial matchup between Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev had to be canceled for a third time due to Chimaev’s lingering health issues from his COVID-19 diagnosis late last year. Edwards was left without an opponent, but the UFC has thankfully found him one in time for the event.
Muhammad currently boasts an 18-3 professional record, winning eight of his last nine fights. He’s currently on a four-fight winning streak, claiming his win against Lima on February 13 via unanimous decision.
Edwards is one of the division’s top contenders, having won his last eight consecutive fights. He last fought in 2019, going the distance with Rafael dos Anjos and taking home the unanimous decision.
UFC Fight Night: Edwards vs. Muhammad will take place on Saturday, March 13.
