For those who feel like words don’t have consequences, just look at the fate of Belal Muhammad. Heading to defend his welterweight title for the first time at UFC 315, against Jack Della Maddalena, it seems like Muhammad has landed himself in much bigger trouble than the dangerous Australian striker himself. And what did he do? He simply told the UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev—looking to capture the throne above his—to look for other fights, as according to ‘Remember the Name’, he will still be the champion post UFC 315.

In a conversation with The Anik and Florian Podcast, Muhammad addressed Islam Makhachev, “Get your fight signed, I’m not leaving Montreal without the belt. Start your camp right now. Whoever you have in line, you’re good.” And guess what? Islam Makhachev actually started his training camp, but with a motivation never seen before!

On his Instagram, Makhachev shared a story with the Buka Martial Arts Academy in Dubai, where he has begun his training camp. They announced his entry in the gym, saying: “GYM OF THE BEST FIGHTERS UFC P4P 👑 @islam_makhachev.” But what came as a plot twist for many is his story from the same gym as the Russian welterweight Raisov Yusuf posted a story on his IG saying: “he goes for the second one @danawhite,” letting the world know about Islam’s intentions and giving the UFC CEO and President Dana White an ultimatum.

Before this, rumors of Islam Makhachev fighting at UFC 317, during International Fight Week, had taken over the internet. So what does this mean? Will Islam fight Muhammad? As of now, Makhachev has made it clear that he is coming for the welterweight throne rather sooner rather than later, and is ready to fight whoever the victor of the UFC 315 main event is. With the backing of Khabib to go for this move, Makhachev’s ambitions for the welterweight division can finally come true. But how can we possibly assume all of this in just a few hints? Surely there has to be more to the path of Islam.

Recently, the Chief Business Officer of the UFC, Hunter Campbell, went for a trip to Dagestan where he met up with Makhachev and his team to possibly discuss the future of the lightweight king. As of now, the only obstacle in this welterweight quest for Makhachev is the close friendship between the welterweight champion and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who intensely trained ‘Bully B’ for his fight against Leon Edwards at UFC 304, where he captured the 170-pound belt.

A meeting with the UFC’s most respected match-maker followed by a story hinting at a quick return, and then to blow all our minds, he says he’s going for the ‘second one’. This is all pointing towards a possible end to the friendship of the Dagestanis and Belal Muhammad, with the only saving grace being a massive loss for ‘Remember The Name’ and Makhachev facing Maddalena, the new welterweight champion, post UFC 315.

But what weighs more? A friendship or a title? That is a question Makhachev will ask himself every day before announcing his next fight.

Islam Makhachev’s dilemma: UFC 170-pound gold on one side, friendship on the other

Islam Makhachev has two options right now. One, he chooses to wait it out, patiently watching for if Belal Muhammad loses the welterweight title at some point. We can potentially see Belal being the champion for a long time if that happens. And if Muhammad does in fact keep the belt to himself through multiple challenges, will Islam be happy to wait long enough for a time Belal no longer holds the belt?

Perhaps we can assume their friendship can continue even after the clash, that would be the sportsman-like end to the fight, and not a friendship. Either way, Belal may hold the belt for a long time, and waiting for him to lose to someone would be short-sighted. With his ambitions put as priority number one, he has just clarified that he wants the title shot, no matter how he gets it.

So what happens if Belal and Islam go head to head? Islam at welterweight with a minimum weight cut will pose a huge threat to Muhammad, with his ever-improving striking and wrestling advantage. Makhachev has the upper hand in all the areas over Muhammad, and his crowning can likely happen if they fight—maybe even at the International Fight Week.

So what is going to happen next? One could just sit and watch the drama unfold like a movie right now. Is Islam Makhachev preparing to fight Belal Muhammad as well? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.