Belal Muhammad has finally addressed fans after his grueling loss at UFC 315, where he relinquished the welterweight title in a hard-fought battle against Jack Della Maddalena. The five-round war took place in Montreal and left Muhammad battered but far from broken.
“I’ve been here before — and I’ll be back”
In a message posted to social media late Sunday, Muhammad didn’t dwell on the defeat. Instead, he thanked his supporters and leaned into his trademark resilience. “The plan of Allah is the best plan. Alhamdulillah for everything. Thank you to all my supporters,” he wrote. “I’ve been here before. I’ll be back.”
Allahs plan is the best plan Alhamdillah for everything Thankyou to all my supporters I been here before and I’ll be back
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) May 11, 2025
It was a short but heartfelt statement from a fighter known for his grit and faith. The post quickly drew support from fellow fighters, coaches, and fans — many of whom praised his class in the face of defeat.
An end to an 11-fight unbeaten run
The loss ends an impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak that began in 2021. Muhammad captured the title in July 2024, defeating Leon Edwards by unanimous decision. His reign, though brief, was marked by discipline, conditioning, and a no-nonsense approach inside the cage.
Against Della Maddalena, however, Muhammad met his match. The Australian challenger pushed the pace, landing heavy combinations and staying one step ahead on the scorecards. While Muhammad showed heart, absorbing brutal damage over 25 minutes, the decision wasn’t controversial — just painful.
Injuries tell the story of a war
According to UFC President Dana White, Muhammad suffered a broken orbital bone, a split lip, and a fractured nose during the bout. A graphic photo of his swollen face, shared by White after the fight, sparked an outpouring of support online.
“What a war,” White captioned the image — and that’s exactly what it was. Muhammad never backed down. He fought through injury, blood, and swelling, determined to go the distance. Even in defeat, his performance earned nods of respect from fans who once doubted him.
Reaction from the MMA world
In the hours following the fight, reactions poured in. Some fans admitted the performance changed their perception of Muhammad entirely. “Flipped me from a hater to a fan,” wrote one commenter on X. Others called for an immediate rematch, arguing that Muhammad’s toughness alone warranted another shot at the belt.
Analysts were equally impressed. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto called the fight “one of the most brutal and courageous performances of the year,” while MMA Junkie noted that Muhammad “may have lost the title, but gained a new level of respect.”
What’s next for Belal Muhammad?
For now, Muhammad will focus on recovery. With his injuries, a quick return is unlikely. But if history is any indication, don’t expect him to fade quietly. The 36-year-old has made a career out of proving people wrong and it’s clear he’s not done yet.
Whether it’s a comeback fight later this year or a longer road back to title contention, one thing is certain: Belal Muhammad isn’t going anywhere. He’s bruised, yes. But broken? Not even close.
