Former UFC champion explains why he's up for 'Proper' challenge
· Yahoo Sports
Former UFC champion Belal Muhammad wants a "Proper" challenge.
Muhammad (24-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) has been on a recent losing streak and sees a matchup against Mike Malott as a real possibility that could benefit both fighters. Malott (15-2-1 MMA, 8-1 UFC) is coming off a Knockout of the Year-contending finish of Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Fight Night 291 on his home country's soil. Malott doesn't call out opponents directly, but others have done it for him.
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"People are bringing up my name a lot, for sure," Muhammad said in a YouTube video. "The fight definitely makes sense."
Muhammad last fought at UFC Fight Night 278, where he lost a unanimous decision to Gabriel Bonfim in the main event. That result marked his third consecutive loss in a rough stretch that includes losses to former champ Jack Della Maddalena and former title challenger Ian Machado Garry. Muhammad has been wanting to face fellow former champion Kamaru Usman for some time now, but he isn't willing to sit out much longer.
"Obviously, when I'm looking at the division, I'm looking at who I want to fight," Muhammad said. "You know we want to fight Usman, but I'm not going to sit there and wait."
For Malott, a fight against Muhammad would make sense. Malott is on a five-fight winning streak, and despite Muhammad's skid, the fight represents a step up in competition. Malott has never faced a former UFC titleholder in the octagon. The closest on his resume is former title challenger Gilbert Burns.
Muhammad wants to get back to action soon, and January's UFC 336 in Toronto could be a good fit for Malott to fight again in Canada. In the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie welterweight rankings, Muhammad holds the No. 7 spot, while Malott ranks No. 9.
"When I'm looking at who's hot right now, who's on a streak, Mike Malott got a good winning streak going," Muhammad said. "A win over him puts you in a good spot, puts you back into the mix, and reminds people who you are. So, for myself, it's one of those situations where if Usman's not trying to go, for sure, 'Proper' Mike Malott would definitely be a yes on my end. So, we'll see what the UFC does. We'll see what the UFC brings and what they want to do with it."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Former UFC champion explains why he's up for 'Proper' challenge