Belal Muhammad, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, is making headlines not only for his recent triumph over Leon Edwards but also for his ambitions to move up to the middleweight division. Despite his impressive run in the welterweight category, Muhammad has expressed a strategic intent to shift divisions, particularly to avoid a clash with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Belal Muhammad’s Welterweight Reign
Belal Muhammad, known by his moniker “Remember the Name,” cemented his status as the UFC welterweight champion on July 27, 2024, when he defeated Leon Edwards in a hard-fought battle. This victory was a defining moment in his career, marking him as a formidable force in the welterweight division. However, his anticipated title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov was postponed due to an unfortunate foot infection.
While Rakhmonov maintained his undefeated streak with a win over Ian Garry, Muhammad has been vocal about his confidence in defeating Rakhmonov, citing specific vulnerabilities he plans to exploit. “I see flaws in Shavkat’s game,” Muhammad stated in an interview, emphasizing his readiness to face the undefeated contender without fear or hesitation.
Avoiding a Clash with Islam Makhachev
Muhammad’s potential move to the middleweight division is largely influenced by his relationship with Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion. Both fighters share a history of training under Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Muhammad has expressed a personal reluctance to face Makhachev in the octagon. “I won’t fight Islam. We’ve trained together, and I respect him too much,” Muhammad explained in a recent interview.
This decision opens the door for Makhachev to pursue the rare achievement of becoming a double champion, a feat that Muhammad seems willing to facilitate by vacating his welterweight title.
Middleweight Ambitions: The Khamzat Chimaev Factor
As Muhammad sets his sights on the middleweight division, he remains unfazed by most potential opponents, with the exception of Khamzat Chimaev. “The middleweight division is probably the easiest… except for Khamzat,” Muhammad remarked, underscoring his respect for Chimaev’s prowess. This statement reflects Muhammad’s confidence in his ability to compete at a higher weight class, while also acknowledging the unique challenge that Chimaev presents.
Despite his ambition, Muhammad has received warnings from fighters like Joaquin Buckley, who advised caution about the power of middleweights. Buckley, who previously fought in the division, suggested that the striking power in middleweight is significantly different, urging Muhammad to consider the challenges ahead.
What Lies Ahead for Belal Muhammad?
As the UFC prepares to officially announce the much-anticipated bout between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov, fans eagerly await to see if Muhammad can uphold his welterweight dominance or if his focus will shift entirely to the middleweight aspirations. For now, the MMA community watches closely as Muhammad navigates the delicate balance between maintaining his current championship and pursuing new challenges.
With the potential for exciting matchups and the possibility of witnessing a historic shift in divisions, Belal Muhammad’s next moves will undoubtedly be a focal point for UFC enthusiasts worldwide. Will he conquer the middleweight division as he plans, or will he choose to solidify his legacy within the welterweights? Only time will tell.
