"Not great times in the welterweight title picture" - Conor McGregor claims Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad struggling to touch 200K PPV buys number

Conor McGregor is just over a month away from ending a three-year hiatus and making his highly-anticipated return to the octagon when he faces Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303. The bout will take place at welterweight, opening the door for the former double champ to face the winner of Leon Edwards' upcoming title defense against Belal Muhammad, which will headline UFC 304 in July.

Speaking on Duelbits, 'The Notorious' took the opportunity to blast the welterweight title bout, stating:

"There's too many decisions going on now with that Leon fella. Leon Edwards loves a decision and then he's fighting another f**king decision guy, your man Belal. So, not great times in the welterweight title picture. 200 [pay-per-view] buys probably, not even. 150,000 buys if it's even a pay-per-view. It's probably not even a pay-per-view."

Check out Conor McGregor's comments on Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad below:

Edwards and Muhammad previously clashed in the main event of UFC Fight Night 187. The bout ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke rendered the latter unable to continue. The No. 2-ranked welterweight had been angling for a title opportunity for quite some time. While the UFC offered 'Rocky' three potential opponents for UFC 300, 'Remember the Name' was not among them.

Since making his promotional debut in 2014, Edwards has finished his opponent in just four of his 17 bouts. Muhammad has had even less success finishing opponents since joining the UFC in 2016, with just three finishes in 18 bouts.

---

Leon Edwards weighs in on facing Conor McGregor next

Conor McGregor's upcoming UFC 303 bout against Michael Chandler is set to take place at welterweight. Leon Edwards recently revealed that 'The Notorious' could be his next challenger if he emerges victorious. In a conversation with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, 'Rocky' was asked about the possibility. He responded:

"100%, why not? Let's give him an opportunity to become a three-division world champion. Give me an opportunity to take out a guy like Conor McGregor. New York. That would be perfect... He's got to take out Michael. I'll take out 'No One Remembers His Name' and we'll go from there. We'll go New York, [Madison Square Garden]... That's the fight I feel."

Check out Leon Edwards' comments on facing Conor McGregor below:

The UFC is reportedly set to return to Madison Square Garden at UFC 309, with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic rumored to headline. It is unclear if the promotion would look to make changes - provided McGregor receives the next title shot. While many will complain about 'The Notorious' skipping the line, his massive stardom will likely ensure that he receives such an opportunity if he wins.