“That’s my brother,” Belal Muhammad reveals relationship with former rival Khamzat Chimaev

Belal Muhammad finds common ground with Khamzat Chimaev over Palestine support.

“That’s my brother,” Belal Muhammad reveals relationship with former rival Khamzat Chimaev

Belal Muhammad on his brotherhood with Khamzat Chimaev (Image via: Instagram/Khamzat Chimaev)

Belal Muhammad recently announced his presence at UFC 296 as a backup for the main event. Dana White had already promised the title shot to Muhammad after his victory over Gilbert Burns at UFC 288. Muhammad announced his backup role in an interview with Farah Hannoun of MMA Junkie. Moreover, he also spoke about his new relationship with his former rival, Khamzat Chimaev.

When Hannoun asked Muhammad about his relationship with Chimaev, this is what he said in the interview with MMA Junkie.

For me, it was obviously huge that he was posting about Palestine. And like, that's my brother now. Like, if you're supporting my people, then we're one. And it's all about, you know, being a Muslim.
Belal Muhammad via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

Muhammad is the son of Palestinian immigrants. He respected Chimaev supporting Palestine in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Moreover, the shared faith of the two also played a part in bringing the two together on cordial terms. Muhammad always wanted a fight with Chimaev when the Chechen-born fighter was in the welterweight division.

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Chimaev last fought at UFC 294. He won a majority decision victory over Kamaru Usman at the event. However, he injured his hand during the fight. He will undergo surgery very soon and is expecting a return at UFC 300. Dana White has already promised a title shot to Chimaev. Therefore, the chances of Chimaev fighting for the middleweight title on his return are very high.

Belal Muhammad expects to take over the UFC with fellow Muslim fighters

UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad is a devout Muslim. So are UFC lightweight champions Islam Makhachev and UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. Muhammad envisions a prosperous 2024 for the trio.

Belal Muhammad expects Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev and himself to takeover the UFC
Belal Muhammad expects Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, and himself to take over the UFC (Image via Instagram)

Muhammad is friends with both Makhachev and Chimaev. Moreover, he has trained with Makhachev for his fight with Sean Brady at UFC 280. This is what Muhammad told MMA Junkie about what he sees in store by the end of 2024.

I'm team Khamzat. I hope he wins the 185 title, hope he gets a title shot. And, you know, Insha Allah, this time next year, it'll be me as the 170 Champion, Islam as the 155 champion, and Khamzat as the 185 champion. And, uh, we'll be taking over.
Belal Muhammad via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

Muhammad hopes to be the champion in the welterweight division and Chimaev in the middleweight division. Moreover, he also expects Makhachev to stay champion in the lightweight division thereby creating a scenario where there are three Muslim champions simultaneously in the UFC.

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