Jon Anik ‘feels’ for Belal Muhammad over Colby Covington UFC 286 snub

Jon Anik weighed in on Belal Muhammad being passed over for Colby Covington as the replacement fighter for the main event between Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards at UFC 286.

Anik took to Twitter to share his thoughts on Covington appearing at the weigh-ins as the official replacement in case he's required to step in on short notice for one of the fighters in the main event. He mentioned that he felt for Belal Muhammad, but understood why the promotion selected 'Chaos' to serve as the replacement fighter.

"Understand acutely why Colby Covington was the back-up but hard not to feel for @bullyb170!"

'Remember The Name' is currently the No.4 ranked UFC welterweight, so he's clearly in the mix for a title shot. The UFC announcer added that he believes the 34-year-old deserves more respect because of his impressive run at welterweight in the past few years, writing:

"9-fight unbeaten streak. Hasn't lost in 4-plus years. Just KO'd a previously undefeated fighter. The man deserves his respect and I don't say that b/c he hosts a podcast w/ my twin bro."

It remains to be seen what the UFC have planned for Muhammad and Covington as it pertains to who will receive the next title shot.

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Belal Muhammad claims that Colby Covington is avoiding him

Belal Muhammad obviously wasn't too thrilled that Colby Covington received an opportunity to serve as the replacement for the welterweight title fight between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.

The No.4 ranked welterweight tweeted a photo indicating that he was in talks to fight Covington at UFC 286. The fight obviously didn't materialize and he mentioned that 'Chaos' agreed to serve as the replacement for the main event so he wouldn't have to fight him, writing:

"He turns down a fight on the same card so he can weigh in and not have to fight."

It remains to be seen what the UFC's plans are for the welterweight title picture going forward. In addition to 'Remember The Name' and 'Chaos', Shavkat Rakhmonov has emerged as a contender and Gilbert Burns could make a strong case for a title shot should he earn a decisive win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 287.