During an encounter on October 22, 2022, in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Belal Muhammad was seen prepping before his match against Sean Brady at the UFC 280, hosted at Etihad Arena. Muhammad, an accomplished UFC welterweight champion, made it clear that he wouldn’t prefer to face Islam Makhachev in the ring. Sporting an impressive record (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC), Muhammad cherishes his bond formed with the lightweight champion Makhachev, following multiple training sessions with him and team Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Legendary Nurmagomedov himself expressed how he’d struggle to see Makhachev and Muhammad pit against each other. Makhachev, boasting an excellent pro-record of (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC), has been the lightweight title’s undisputed carrier a phenomenal total of four times, a record for the division. Despite reaching such heights, he declared the intent to not hang up his gloves until he achieves his dream of embodying the UFC dual-champion.
On the other hand, Muhammad contemplates a long-term plan that involves defending his title a few times before making the leap up to the middleweight for a shot at securing a second title. In his own words, ‘Engaging in a match against Islam is off the table since our bond is unique’. Muhammad emphasized the worth of the rapport they established through their joint training, where they’ve sweated and bled together.
For both fighters, this isn’t merely about the financial reward. Muhammad further stated, ‘To exercise against a fellow athlete who has also shared similar hardships builds an altogether distinct connection. For both of us, it transcends the monetary aspect.’ The UFC champion openly admitted to preferring a move up to 185 pounds, leaving the 170 for Makhachev, if it comes down to it.
Given Muhammad’s journey so far, he has fought arduously to reach the 170 and has achieved victories against five of the top ten fighters in the rank. He perceives himself only a couple of fights away from being able to stake a claim at 185, asserting, ‘I am on the brink of stating I want to become a double champ.’
Transitioning towards the middleweight is viewed by Muhammad as a pragmatic shift; he is quite confident about his prospects when encountering the division’s leading figures. Acknowledging that his real-weight hovers around 190 pounds, Muhammad firmly believes that making the cut to the middleweight will not be troublesome.
Explaining his confidence, Muhammad said, ‘I wouldn’t find a hurdle in fighting as a middleweight. My sparring partners are usually heavier; I’m well-versed in coping with their power. Except for the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, I would probably have an easy time facing most opponents in the middleweight division.’
Casting a critical eye over the UFC 312 main event, Muhammad doubts the caliber of leading contenders like Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. Echoing a common fighter sentiment, he verbalized his thoughts saying, ‘When you sit down, observing that main event, you fail to resist the thought, ‘honestly, Strickland and Du Plessis could do better.”
The journey of Muhammad, from climbing his way up in UFC, refusing to fight his friend, and then aiming to switch weight classes for a distinguished title, is indeed intriguing. His dedication, loyalty, and strategic career approach showcase the exceptional abilities of this charismatic UFC welterweight champion.
Emphasis on the bond developed between Makhachev and Muhammad, who have trained under the same banner, highlights the comradeship values held high in this fierce sport besides brutal rivalries. Such emphasis on relationships moves beyond winning and underscores how integral these relationships can become, even in a fiercely competitive world like UFC.
Muhammad’s potential move to the middleweight division hints at the dynamism of the ever-evolving field of MMA fighting. Trainers, fighters, and analysts continuously evaluate the best path for each individual, taking into consideration factors like the body’s natural weight, the fighter’s track record, and the dynamics of different weight classes.
The UFC welterweight champion’s glances towards the middleweight division can precipitate new rivalries, opportunities, and hurdles. It’s an exciting development for both Muhammad and his fans as they ponder what the future can hold for a fighter with such determination and dynamic strategy.
Muhammad’s careful contemplation on whether to make the move to middleweight symbolizes the significance of strategic decision-making in UFC. The move isn’t merely about stepping into a new weight division but involves reshaping training regimens, diversifying fighting styles, and testing limits against new opponents.
The possible transition of Belal Muhammad to middleweight manifests the inherent fluidity and adaptability the UFC allows its fighters. As they challenge and inspire each other, the UFC world continues to evolve, merging talents across weight divisions, creating more exciting and unpredictable matchups to the delight of the fanbase.
In conclusion, the understanding glimpse of the relationship between Muhammad and Makhachev, Muhammad’s potential transition to the middleweight, and his insightful perspectives on the competitive UFC landscape indeed deepen our understanding of the intricate world of UFC.