The world of MMA has witnessed many fighters who have made bold proclamations to assert dominance and be able to get inside their opponent’s head. Known for his superior grappling skills, Belal Muhammad, following a similar sentiment, took a different route at UFC 315. Before the bout, while addressing his opponent Jack Della Maddalena‘s striking, Muhammad once said: “I’m gonna go in there, I’m gonna outbox Jack. I’m not gonna shoot one takedown, and I’m gonna show him the meaning of Canelo hands.” Referring to the legendary boxer Canelo Alvarez‘s superior boxing as his inspiration, leading to many raised eyebrows in the community.

In Montreal, on May 10th, Muhammad entered the Octagon, aiming to validate his claims and defend his welterweight gold. However, Maddalena’s superior boxing skills, with his relentless pressure and exchanges, prevailed in the fight. At UFC 315, Muhammad’s time at the welterweight throne ended after a short run when he lost to the Australian striker by a unanimous decision.

Belal stood there and traded with one of the cleanest strikers in the division. Was it the smartest strategy? Maybe not. But that’s not the point. He wanted to prove he could hang in that world, and he did. Jack’s boxing was sharper, but Belal didn’t fold. He didn’t break and took shots, returned them, and stayed in the fight from start to finish. No one walked out of that building thinking Belal coasted or quit.

The defeat not only ended his welterweight title reign, but ‘Remember The Name’s memorable five-year undefeated win streak ended as well. After the loss, while addressing his comeback, Muhammad took to his Instagram and wrote: “Fall Down 7 stand up 8.” Referring to the Japanese proverb, “”Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Emphasizing resilience and perseverance.

His intentions are simple, he knows he has been here before and he is getting ready to make his comeback. And this time, the crowds will back him too.

After delivering a great performance in the UFC 315 main event, Muhammad earned the MMA community’s respect, let’s read further to find out what they had to say.

“Fought his heart out.”- Fans unite to shower Belal Muhammad in well-wishes after loss at UFC 315

Throughout his grueling encounter with Maddalena, Muhammad did in fact let go of his ‘Canelo hands’ and his fight against the Aussie didn’t even feel like a wrestler vs striker contest. Often labeled as boring due to his superior wrestling and ground game, Muhammad wanted to go in there and win hearts, and so he did. Despite the setback, Muhammad won their respect, and it showed. One fan commented: “Brother you’ve fought like a warrior! Like a lion!”

The atmosphere of this comment section was full of good vibes and support for ‘Remember The Name’, one fan commented: “Real Warrior!” But the real support started coming when MMA veterans dropped their compliments for ‘Bully B’ as UFC legend Mark Coleman commented on the post: “Yes sir.” On the other hand UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson said: “It was a great fight champ.” Even the legendary MMA trainer Henry Hooft was impressed by Belal’s grit in the Octagon, as he commented: “Once a champ always a champ.”

Rising UFC featherweight, Movsar Evloev, joined in on the action as well, as he called Muhammad, “Champion.” Certainly, it’s formidable how Muhammad has gathered so much respect from the MMA community just after a single fight, even when he lost. This goes to show the value of giving it all in the Octagon and how the MMA community never looks down on a fighter who gave their best to entertain them.

So what’s next for Belal Muhammad? He has no intentions of slowing down, as he considers the loss just a setback. We will surely see him compete again very soon. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.