Belal Muhammad Doesn’t Say ‘No’ To Fighting Teammate Islam Makhachev Down The Line: “It’s My Belt”

Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad talks about whether he would fight teammate Islam Makhachev to gain championship gold.

Belal Muhammad Doesn’t Say ‘No’ To Fighting Teammate Islam Makhachev Down The Line: “It’s My Belt”

Belal Muhammad talks about the possibility of Islam Makhachev fight (via Instagram)

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It has become increasingly common for UFC champions to move up in weight to pursue their ambition of becoming a dual-weight champion. The most recent example is former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moving up to welterweight to challenge champion Jack Della Maddalena. However, former welterweight champion and Makhachev’s teammate, Belal Muhammad, had some interesting views.

Muhammad was seen answering questions at the UFC 319 Q/A event. However, a fan asked ‘Bully B’ if he would fight Makhachev if JDM loses to the former lightweight champion. Even though Muhammad and Makhachev have outright denied ever fighting each other, Muhammad had an answer left for the audience to configure themselves.

It’s my belt. For me, I gotta work my next opponent. After I get my next win, then I can talk about the belt.

Belal Muhammad via UFC 319 Q/A

Both former champions have a friendship that extends well beyond competitiveness. Both individuals have close links to lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s camp, having trained together under his guidance.

Muhammad has frequently described his time with Khabib and Islam as invaluable. The former welterweight champ claimed that the techniques he acquired from them developed his talents and ultimately brought him to championship status.

However, there has been some tension between ‘Bully B’ and Makhachev since the latter set his eyes on the 170-pound division. There were rumours of a potential rivalry after Makhachev had commented positively on JDM’s victory. Even though it was an opening for him to move up to welterweight, the MMA community speculated a rift between Muhammad and Makhachev.

Muhammad last fought at UFC 315, where he lost the belt to Maddalena; however, since then, there has been no news of a fight for ‘Bully B’. Makhachev has always been vocal about his support for Muhammad and also his ambition to be a double champ. However, he had dropped plans to pursue the 170-pound championship after Muhammad won the title at UFC 304.

Belal Muhammad predicts Islam Makhachev vs Jack Della Maddalena

Despite recent updates, both Makhachev and Muhammad have shown extraordinary support for each other. The two fighters follow a similar fighting pattern and heavily rely on wrestling and grappling while balancing out their striking. Muhammad recently gave the Dagestani star some advice regarding a possible fight against Maddalena.

Belal Muhammad talks about how a fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalen would play out
Belal Muhammad talks about how a fight between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena would play out (via Fox Sports, Instagram)

While answering questions at the UFC 319 Q/A, a fan asked Muhammad how the fight between Makhachev and Maddalena would play out. Despite still having eyes on welterweight gold, Muhammad humored the fan and provided a blueprint for his teammate.

I think it comes down to if Islam can take it to the ground. If he gets it to the ground, I think Islam will be levels above him. Could catch the submission, but you have to get to it first.

Belal Muhammad via UFC 319 Q/A

Makhachev and Maddalena demonstrate two very different, yet equally successful fighting methods. Makhachev’s style is based on combat sambo and Dagestani wrestling, and he dominates opponents on the ground with takedowns and dominant top control techniques.

JDM has sharp, high-volume striking and thrives in boxing exchanges. He uses crisp combinations, fluid head movement, and excellent shot selection to break opponents down on the feet, often targeting the body to open up the head.

It remains to be seen when the fight between Makhachev and Maddalena comes to fruition. There is no doubt that ‘Bully B’ will be focused on regaining the title. However, it is yet to be decided whether he will wait out a title shot or take non-title fights until he gets one.

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