Belal Muhammad: Weighing the Options
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has been steadfast in his stance on defending his title and exploring potential challenges. In a recent interview with Barstool Chicago, Muhammad was posed with a question that has become a recurring theme in his post-fight interviews: would he face his training partner and fellow champion, Islam Makhachev? Muhammad’s response was clear and concise: he has no interest in such a bout. Instead, if he were to challenge himself against another champion or step into a new weight class, he would prefer to move up to middleweight, specifically to 185 pounds.
The Welterweight Gauntlet
Muhammad’s journey to the welterweight title has been nothing short of arduous. He has earned his place by defeating a series of top-10 fighters, cementing his status as a legitimate champion. This grueling path has only reinforced his belief that the welterweight division is one of the most challenging in the UFC. "I’ve already had to fight my way up to 170 — I’ve beaten five top-10 guys," Muhammad explained. "I’m two fights away from being able to challenge for [the middleweight title] and saying, ‘Hey, I want to be double champ.’”
The Appeal of Middleweight
When considering a move to middleweight, Muhammad is pragmatic about the competitive landscape. He believes that 185 pounds is a relatively easier division to navigate, with the exception of Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev’s presence in the middleweight division is a formidable obstacle, but Muhammad sees the rest of the field as less daunting. "I think 185 is probably the easiest weight class — besides Khamzat," he said. "When you look at that [UFC 312] main event, you’re like, ‘Bro, Strickland and du Plessis suck.’"
A Title Defense on Hold
Despite his current championship status, Muhammad has yet to defend his welterweight title. He was originally scheduled to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the bout. Rakhmonov stepped up and defeated Ian Machado Garry, who was drafted in as a short-notice replacement. This performance has solidified Rakhmonov’s position as a top contender, and he is expected to challenge for the welterweight title in the near future.
The Road Ahead
Muhammad’s injury setback and the rise of Rakhmonov have added an extra layer of intrigue to the welterweight division. While he remains focused on his recovery and preparing for his next fight, the possibility of a future challenge at middleweight continues to loom. The middleweight division, with its mix of established stars and rising talents, offers a compelling contrast to the welterweight division. For Muhammad, the allure of becoming a double champion and the opportunity to test himself against a different set of opponents is a tantalizing prospect.
A Champion’s Perspective
Belal Muhammad’s candid thoughts on the current state of the UFC’s weight classes provide a unique insider’s view. His decision to move up to middleweight, should he choose to do so, would not only be a testament to his physical capabilities but also a strategic move to capitalize on what he perceives as a more manageable division. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his career, Muhammad remains a formidable force in the UFC, with his eyes set on both defending his current title and potentially expanding his legacy.
