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#4. The loser of Kamaru Usman vs. Leon Edwards
"Unfinished" is a great adjective that describes Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad's mild rivalry. When the two first met, it was the Roufusport fighter coming in on short notice to replace Khamzat Chimaev against Edwards. 'Rocky' was getting the better of Muhammad, but it was an accidental eye poke that ended the bout, resulting in a "no contest" on both of their records.
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Edwards challenging for the title next is as good as done. UFC president Dana White has been very candid on this being the next fight for the welterweight strap. Should Usman retain his title and defeat the Englishman for a second time, then a rematch against Muhammad is the right move.
Antithetically, if 'The Nigerean Nightmare' loses his title and for some strange reason isn't granted an immediate rematch, then taking on Muhammad would be the best way to rebound in an attempt to challenge for the belt once again.
#3. Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev is the hottest prospect that the UFC has ever dealt with. 'Borz' recently went to the judges for the first time and secured a unanimous decision win against former title challenger, Gilbert Burns to move to 11-0.
While the Chechnya-born fighter is already in talks for a title opportunity, the champ seems to be wrapped up with Edwards and it's easy to fall behind in this sport if one who doesn't remain active. If Chimaev elects to stay busy as opposed to waiting and risking the variables that come with time, then a fight against 'Remember the Name' would be right for him.
Both fighters bring a grappling heavy approach. But both similarly utilized their striking more than usual in their last fights, both against heavy-hitting opponents. This probably isn't exactly what the fans or Chimaev would want, but it would be a fun fight that would absolutely dictate the number one contender spot.
