Belal Muhammad Braces Himself for Potential Clash With Teammate Islam Makhachev

Belal Muhammad talks about the potential welterweight landscape after his bout with Ian Garry that may include an Islam Makhachev fight.

Belal Muhammad Braces Himself for Potential Clash With Teammate Islam Makhachev

Belal Muhammad might fight Islam Makhachev (via MMA Fighting, UFC)

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The UFC welterweight division continues to evolve, with several high-profile matchups shaping the landscape for the next title challengers. Belal Muhammad has emerged as a consistent presence in the top ranks, and his career trajectory could determine his position among the division’s elite. This may also mean that he might have to face teammate Islam Makhachev if he wins at UFC 322.

Muhammad has trained with Makhachev under UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov and has frequently praised both the Dagestanis on multiple instances. However, Makhachev was pleased when Muhammad lost the title, as it opened up a window for him to fight for the 170-pound title. While both Muhammad and Makhachev have denied fighting each other before, ‘Bully B’ recently did not diminish the idea.

Muhammad is officially scheduled to face Ian Garry on November 22 at UFC Qatar. This bout represents a critical step in his pursuit of a welterweight title shot, as Garry himself has built momentum within the division. Muhammad recently outlined the reason why the fight with Garry is of prominent importance and may prove to be the No.1 contender fight.

I’m number one, Brady’s number two — I already beat him. Then you’ve got Leon on a two-fight losing streak against Prates — Ian already beat Prates. For me, the fight with Ian Garry makes the most sense when you’re looking at the title eliminators.

Belal Muhammad via Home Of Fight

A matchup between Muhammad and Makhachev becomes possible if Makhachev dethrones welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. Both fighters train together, which adds a unique element to UFC matchmaking, but competitive realities often supersede personal affiliations when titles are at stake. UFC CEO Dana White has been vocal regarding his distaste for friends not fighting each other.

The welterweight division itself is undergoing significant shifts, with contenders like Sean Brady and Shavkat Rakhmonov influencing the championship landscape. Muhammad’s victory over Garry would solidify his position among the top contenders, while Makhachev’s success or failure in his welterweight debut will reshape the division’s immediate title picture.

A win over Ian Garry could position Belal Muhammad for a welterweight title shot, potentially setting up a high-stakes showdown with Islam Makhachev if he defeats Jack Della Maddalena. However, the decision will depend on what Dana White and the UFC brass want next.

Belal Muhammad picks Islam Makhachev to defeat Jack Della Maddalena

The upcoming welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena has created a cross-divisional storyline, with the former lightweight champion moving up in weight to challenge for a second belt. Makhachev enters the bout with a resume built on dominant wins at 155 pounds, while JDM has established himself as the top fighter at 170 through consistent victories against ranked opposition.

Belal Muhammad talks about Islam Makhachev fight possibility
Belal Muhammad talks about Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena (via Instagram)

Belal Muhammad has been directly observing the implications of this title fight, given his position near the top of the welterweight rankings. His analysis of the matchup is shaped by personal experience training in camps influenced by Dagestani wrestling systems and by having competed against many high-level grapplers inside the UFC. He recently spoke about the upcoming UFC 322 in an interview.

I think Islam can finish JDM on the ground. We saw with DDP, if you’ve never felt one of those Dagestani wrestlers, you don’t want it to be your first time in the cage feeling it. Islam and they have a different type of grappling.

Belal Muhammad via No Scripts

If Islam Makhachev captures the welterweight title, it will restructure the championship ladder by introducing a two-division champion into a field that already contains multiple active contenders. For fighters like Belal Muhammad, this would create the possibility of a title bout against a training-room contemporary rather than a separate longstanding welterweight champion.

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