What is next for the winner of Gilbert Burns vs Belal Muhammad at UFC 288? - Dana White reveals plans

In a big update, UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the winner of the highly anticipated co-main fight between Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad will be granted a shot at the Welterweight title. “One hundred percent … yes, the guy who wins this fight will get the next shot (after Covington),” White was quoted as saying. The Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington fight is likely to take place in London in July and the winner of Burns vs Muhammad will face the winner of that bout in the near future.

Gilbert Burns also confirmed this development in a pre-match presser. He said that UFC have guaranteed the winner of the bout to a shot at the title. Burns said, "They [the UFC] guarantee us both [a title shot]. If Belal Muhammad wins he's next, if I win I'm next." 

Burns previously fought for the title in 2021, losing to Kamaru Usman, and most recently competed on April 8 at UFC 287 in a co-main event against Jorge Masvidal, whom he easily defeated by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad is on a nine-fight unbeaten streak and would align himself for his first crack at the promotion’s gold with a win.

UFC 288 will take place this Sunday, May 7 (IST) at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main event will see Henry Cejudo make his long-awaited comeback to the octagon against 135lb champion Aljamain Sterling for the Bantamweight belt.