Colby Covington welcomes Belal Muhammad fight in UFC return: 'I'd be very intrigued by that fight'

With ongoing links to return to UFC 303 in late June against undefeated Ian Harry, the former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has instead switched lanes and is now looking to take on rising contender Belal Muhammad in a five-round title eliminator. .

Covington, the former interim welterweight goldholder and current No. 4 contender in the division, has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 296 back in December of last year.

And after failing in his third attempt to become an undisputed champion, Clovis native Covington suffered a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Leon Edwards – a fight he hopes to avenge in the future.

As for Muhammad, the Illinois standout has been out of action since his decision win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288 last May, earning him the No. 2 seed in the division.

Colby Covington plans to fight Belal Muhammad

And amid calls from Portmarnock native Harry that Covington is avoiding a confrontation with him – as recently at UFC 301 last weekend, the former turned his attention to a fight with the aforementioned Muhammad.

“Maybe that kid (Belal) Muhammad was talking a lot,” Colby Covington said. Hype during a recent interview. “He is ranked above me. So, I think if I beat this guy, it will put me back in the title shot. I don't know anyone. I could fight Joe Shom on the street and get the same salary. This will be a high level fight. Every time I step on the mic you know I'm about to sell this shit to the moon.”

“In a five-round fight, I would be very intrigued by this fight,” Colby Covington explained. “I always told them (UFC) I want this guy in the main event. I don't think he can last. His cardio doesn't look that good. In his last fight he fought Burns at 185 (pounds) on one week's notice and I thought Burns won the fight. He landed more punches. …I think he will be exposed soon. He doesn't have good cardio and he's not as good as everyone thinks.”

And while he called for a pairing with Muhammad, the fast-moving No. 2 ranked contender was heavily linked with a return as early as July for a title rematch against the aforementioned Edwards at UFC 304 in Manchester.

Who will win the future confrontation: Belal Muhammad or Colby Covington?