"Leon would've called out Ian Garry" - Fans applaud Belal Muhammad for "wanting the toughest fights" immediately after winning welterweight strap

Newly crowned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad appeared to be winning fans over for his bold callout after winning the belt.

Muhammad is not hoping for an easy title reign as he calls out the division's boogeyman, Shavkat Rakhmonov. The 170-pound king didn't hesitate to call 'Nomad' out, despite him being one of the most fearsome challenges.

When ESPN MMA asked about his potential next opponent, the Chicago native named Kamaru Usman and Rakhmonov because the former is a bigger name and the latter is an unsolvable puzzle. He said:

"Usman obviously for legacy... I think he's still got tread on the tires... name value, he has a bigger name [than Shakat]. But also I want to fight the boogeyman [Shavkat]."

Rakhmonov is undefeated in 18 professional fights, with all victories coming via finish. It is safe to say that he is a terrifying man to face in a cage, but 'Remember the Name' intends to etch his name in history, and fans are all for it.

One fan highlighted the contrast between the former and the current champion while praising the latter for picking the toughest opponent:

"fair play for wanting the toughest fights, knowing Leon he would've called out Ian Garry."

Another fan asserted that Usman is old news in 2024 and doesn't generate the level of excitement that he once did:

"0-3 Usman does not deserve it, Belal needs to fight the one that is coming off a win. We want the best vs the best and Usman in 2024 does not fit that word."

One fan lauded the judgment of Muhammad, as he knows time is not on his side:

"Belal is 100% a better champion than Leon. Wants to fight everyone and knows time is not his friend"

Another fan commented on the alleged inactivity of the Kazakh native, stating that he should get the title shot next:

"I'd like to see a title shot eliminator fight but since Shavkat only fights once a year, you may as well try to get him booked for this now."

Most fans welcomed Belal Muhammad's decision to call out worthy opponents as a breath of fresh air.

"Finally an active champ that calls out rightful contenders," one fan said.

More fan reactions can be seen below:

Screenshot of fan reacting to Belal Muhammad's callouts {Images via champRD5 on X]

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Kamaru Usman teased Belal Muhammad for not knowing how to hold the belt

Kamaru Usman recently reacted to a video of the newly crowned champion being taught how to hold the belt by reigning lightweight king Islam Makhachev, mocking Belal Muhammad for the same:

"Islam is a good man. Had to teach him how to hold the belt," Usman replied to UFC's post.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' previously held the belt for 1,267 consecutive days and defended it five times in three years. Meanwhile, Muhammad has recently dethroned Edwards, capturing the elusive welterweight gold, and has already impressed fans with his fearless callouts. It remains to be seen how dominant the 'Remember the Name' era will be.