Dana White put in tricky spot as Belal Muhammad doubles down on not fighting Islam Makhachev 

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad puts Dana White in a tough position as he doesn't want to fight Islam Makhachev.

Dana White put in tricky spot as Belal Muhammad doubles down on not fighting Islam Makhachev 

Belal Muhammad has intentions to fight Islam Makhachev (via Imago)

The drama surrounding UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev‘s next fight is at an all-time high. His last outing was at UFC 311, and everyone is eager to see him back, preferably during the International Fight Week. Apart from searching for an ideal opponent for his fifth title defense, there were also discussions of him moving up. 

Makhachev has repeatedly voiced his desire to move divisions, but Belal Muhammad’s championship reign presents a significant obstacle to that transition. Despite the complications, Dana White reportedly considers booking the fight anyway, possibly ignoring their relationship and divisional boundaries. However, Muhammad has once again reiterated his position.

I wouldn’t fight him. They’ve done so much for me. It wouldn’t be worth it to fight those guys. There’s just way too much respect and loyalty on my end. 

Belal Muhammad via The Submission Radio 

Muhammad believes there are various other top contenders, like Justin Gaethje in the lightweight division that can potentially fight Makhachev. He also talked about Ilia Topuria vacating the featherweight title and rigidly asking for the lightweight shot and refusing negotiations. However, the Palestinian champion has backed Makhachev in his decision not to fight the Georgian-Spanish star.

I think Ilia definitely needs to fight somebody before he gets the title shot. It’s not really worth it for Islam to give another 145er a chance because no matter what happens, people are gonna hate on Islam and Team Khabib.

Belal Muhammad continued. 

Muhammad is currently scheduled to defend his welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, which has Makhachev’s interest. If JDM manages to beat Muhammad, it won’t be surprising to see the Dagestani move up and challenge for the welterweight title. However, if Muhammad successfully defends his title, things could get even more interesting.

Belal Muhammad predicts Islam Makhachev fighting Ilia Topuria 

Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have shared multiple back-and-forths on social media, which have heated up their rivalry. After getting rejected by Makhachev, the knockout specialist mocked the Dagestani and his crew for ducking and being afraid. It has also resulted in the pound-for-pound king taking a hit to his reputation for fighting anybody at any time.

Belal Muhammad predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria
Belal Muhammad predicts Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria (via X)

Last year, Topuria knocked out both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, which elevated his status as an elite fighter. He has consistently looked down upon Makhachev, and has promised to knock out or D’arce choke the champion with ease. However, Belal Muhammad doesn’t think the same and recently shared a bold prediction for this potential bout. 

I think he (Islam) will finish Topuria probably by the second round. 

Belal Muhammad continued.

Muhammad firmly believes no lightweight fighter can challenge Makhachev, having closely observed his dominance and relentless training alongside Team Khabib. He deeply respects the team’s mindset built by ‘The Eagle’, which sets Makhachev apart from every other contender today. On top of that, Muhammad’s personal beef with Topuria adds emotional fuel, raising stakes and tension.

Can Islam Makhachev dominate the welterweight division?

Islam Makhachev adding size for welterweight wouldn’t compromise his speed; on the contrary, it can increase his strength to hold down the welterweight fighters. Fighters like Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Sean Brady will pose a threat as they all have excellent wrestling skills. 

Although Muhammad, Rakhmonov and Brady can grapple, their striking skill set and finishing potential on the feet doesn’t come close to Makhachev. Meanwhile, strikers in the 170-pound division will fear the grappling threat of the UFC lightweight champion.

Islam Makhachev's chances in the welterweight division
Islam Makhachev’s chances in the welterweight division (via X)

With Khabib Nurmagomedov’s mentorship and evolving skill set, Makhachev could realistically capture and defend welterweight gold against top contenders. Fighters like Ian Garry and Carlos Prates are already looking at him as a lethal challenge who could destroy everybody. However, nothing is set in stone as of now.

Related: Shavkat Rakhmonov Net Worth, UFC salary, Endorsements and House