In combined martial arts, fighters are often given at the very least one warning – if no more – earlier than some extent is deducted for a peek.

After being the goal of such a foul towards Leon Edwards within the headliner of UFC Battle Night time 187, Belal Muhammad believes extra decisive motion ought to be taken by officers in these circumstances. Earlier than the look which rendered Muhammad unable to proceed 18 seconds after the second spherical, Edwards was cautioned for the same violation within the opening stanza. Additional, Muhammad stated
ESPN that he requested veteran referee Herb Dean to keep watch over Edwards’ fingers within the combat.

“We skilled for it,” Muhammad stated. “We all know he likes to maintain his distance and stick his palm out. We actually stated to Herb Dean earlier than the combat, ‘We will attempt to catch him and he is placing his fingers up, please watch his fingers.’

“The referees have to attain some extent immediately, no warning. That can cease the fellows from doing that. You noticed it with Petr Yan’s unlawful knee. [at UFC 259], he was disqualified. You get penalized like that, it’ll cease guys from fascinated with it. This finger, you’re taking some extent immediately, it’ll scare everybody.

Though Edwards gained the primary spherical towards Muhammad, there was nonetheless rather a lot to be determined in a possible five-round combat. After the combat, the English welterweight balked on the thought of ​​an instantaneous rematch, pointing to his eight-fight profitable streak as enough benefit for a 170-pound title shot.

The promotion introduced that defending champion Kamaru Usman will face Jorge Masvidal in a rematch at UFC 261 on April 24, so Edwards must look ahead to that outcome at a minimal. And even then, the promotion is unlikely to grant him an opportunity for the title with out a win on his ledger since July 2019. That is why, in response to Muhammad, a rematch makes good sense.

“Dana White stated,” If you happen to beat Belal Muhammad you get a title shot, “” stated Muhammad. “The title shot is already booked proper now, with Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman. Why would not you wish to take this combat? If you happen to assume you are thus far forward of me, and you have gained the primary spherical, and all the opposite rounds are going to be the identical, OK. Come and get that straightforward paycheck. Battle me, beat me and you will get a title shot anyway. “