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UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is clear on one thing—he won’t be stepping into the Octagon against Islam Makhachev, no matter the stakes.
Despite being at the top of the 170-pound division, Muhammad (24-3) has a deep bond with Makhachev, the reigning lightweight king. Having trained alongside Makhachev and Team Khabib, Muhammad views their relationship as more than just competition. Even Khabib Nurmagomedov himself has admitted he couldn’t bear to see the two fight.
Speaking with Barstool Sports Chicago, Muhammad explained why he would never entertain a fight against Makhachev.
“We’ve trained together, and when you’re sweating with somebody, and you’re bleeding with somebody, it’s just a different relationship,” Muhammad said. “It wouldn’t be about the money for me or him, I would assume.”
Makhachev (27-1) has already made history by defending his lightweight belt a record-breaking four times and has set his sights on becoming a UFC double champion. If that means moving up to welterweight, Muhammad has no problem stepping aside.
“I would rather go up to 185 pounds and let him take 170 if that is the case. I’ve already fought my way up, beaten five of the top 10 guys, and I’m two fights away from challenging at 185,” Muhammad added.
For Muhammad, middleweight isn’t just an escape—it’s an opportunity. He walks around at 190 pounds and feels confident in hanging with the division’s top contenders.
“185 would be no problem,” Muhammad said. “I train with bigger guys. I’ve felt their strength, and 185 is probably the easiest weight class (for opponents) besides Khamzat (Chimaev).”
He even took a jab at the division’s elite, criticizing the recent UFC 312 main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis.
“Bro, Strickland and Du Plessis suck,” he bluntly stated.
With Muhammad ruling out a fight against Makhachev, the welterweight division could be in for a major shake-up. Will he make a move to middleweight gold, or will Makhachev change his course? Either way, Muhammad’s loyalty remains unshaken.