Islam Makhachev’s next move confirmed? Belal Muhammad and Khamzat Chimaev exchange confirms Dagestani’s ambitions 

Islam Makhachev might get close to his double-champion status after Belal Muhammad's potential move to the middleweight division.

Islam Makhachev’s next move confirmed? Belal Muhammad and Khamzat Chimaev exchange confirms Dagestani’s ambitions 

Belal Muhammad plans to move up and fight in the middleweight division, leaving Islam Makhachev's chances open (via Imago)

Belal Muhammad is the biggest obstacle for the pound-for-pound number king Islam Makhachev‘s welterweight title aspirations. Their mutual respect and brotherhood had made it impossible for them to consider fighting each other inside the UFC cage. However, recent developments with Khamzat Chimaev proved that Muhammad’s fighting future lies somewhere beyond the current welterweight division limits.

Back when Chimaev was in the welterweight division, Muhammad had called him out for a bout, promising to derail the hype. It never took place, and later Chimaev moved up. However, now there is a new possibility of this match-up. In a recent social media back-and-forth, the Palestinian champion has confirmed his potential move to the middleweight division. 

Going to middleweight. 

Belal Muhammad via X 

Muhammad is scheduled to face Jack Della Maddalena, and defend his championship belt at the upcoming UFC 315 PPV event. Heading into this high-stakes fight, the reigning champion is the betting favorite, and the contender is confident of his victory. Regardless of the outcome, Islam Makhachev’s potential move to the welterweight division might now be closer to becoming reality.

JDM has already mentioned that he is ready to fight the Dagestani and avenge fellow countryman Alexander Volkanovski‘s loss. However, if Muhammad wins, he will most probably vacate the welterweight title to move up and challenge for the middleweight title. His personal rivalry with Chimaev and the champion Dricus Du Plessis can help in creating a strong narrative. 

How did Belal Muhammad gain his newfound confidence?

Belal Muhammad’s rise in the UFC was inconsistent, as he often struggled to gain momentum and widespread attention from fans. Despite continuously winning fights, he wasn’t a favorite because many considered his performances boring and lacking explosive, dramatic finishes. His grinding style, focused on control and endurance, didn’t resonate with audiences craving highlight-reel knockouts and fast-paced action.

Belal Muhammad's getting cornered by Khabib Nurmagomedov
Belal Muhammad’s getting cornered by Khabib Nurmagomedov (via X)

His last UFC finish came against Sean Brady at UFC 280, where Khabib Nurmagomedov notably cornered him during the fight. The proud Palestinian champion has spent significant time training under Nurmagomedov and learning from the Hall of Fame legend. In a recent interview, Muhammad revealed how the ‘Eagle’ helped instill in him the mindset required to become a champion.

The first time Khabib cornered me, he was so calm in the back room. He was smiling and saying, ‘Brother, you worked hard. Now it’s up to Allah. If He wants you to win, you’re gonna win. If not, then there’s a reason for it.’ And it just put a sense of confidence inside of me where it just frees you — free yourself from the result. I’m not afraid of getting embarrassed, I’m not afraid of losing or getting beat up.

Belal Muhammad via Yaqeen Institute interview 

Similar to Muhammad, Nurmagomedov has guided many teammates toward UFC success through mentorship, training, and strategic fight preparation. Following his retirement, he chose to honor his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov’s legacy by stepping into the role of head coach. Team Khabib currently holds the UFC and PFL lightweight titles with Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov as reigning champions.

Can Belal Muhammad be successful in the UFC middleweight division?

Belal Muhammad’s success at middleweight would depend on adapting to size differences and powerful fighters like Dricus Du Plessis and Robert Whittaker. Middleweight fighters generally cut from heavier walking weights, posing a serious challenge to Muhammad’s grappling-heavy style and cardio-based fighting approach.

Belal Muhammad's success as a middleweight
Belal Muhammad’s success as a middleweight (via X)

Big names like Jared Cannonier and Caio Borralho possess knockout power and durability, testing Muhammad’s ability to withstand middleweight pressure. However, if he maintains speed, endurance, and technique, he could emulate welterweight to middleweight transitions like Georges St-Pierre.

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