The UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad prioritizes relationships over belts and titles. Reporters and interviewers constantly question him if he will face Islam Makhachev inside the cage and the response has always been a firm ‘no’. The reason is straightforward, both fighters share a friendly bond and have spent a considerable amount of time training together.
The respect is mutual, Makhachev isn’t willing to fight Belal Muhammad either. Belal suggested a solution to this problem; he is willing to move up to 185 after having a few more successful title defenses so that Islam can make his smooth transition to welterweight.
Belal Muhammad says he would never fight, and would rather move up to 185 and let Islam fight for the 170 title
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 16, 2025
“I think 185 is probably the easiest weight class, besides Khamzat. Bro, Strickland and Du Plessis suck.”
@barstoolchicagopic.twitter.com/uwAKNSVHtk
Belal Muhammad on Locking Horns with Makhachev
In a recent podcast, the welterweight champion took the time to explain why he isn’t interested in fighting Makhachev.
“I would never fight Islam because that’s different for me and him, we have trained together, when you are sweating with somebody or bleeding with somebody you train with somebody like that it’s a just a different relationship. It wouldn't be about money for me or for him. I would never want to do that. They help me so much, so I would rather go up to 185 and let him just take 170”.
Two Champions Unite
Both champions helped each other in the past with training sessions:
Islam Makhachev (lightweight) à côté de Belal Muhammad (welterweight). pic.twitter.com/svbn3AhlDB
— La Sueur (@LaSueur_off) August 2, 2024