The phrase “Belal Muhammad just can’t catch a break” is starting to feel more like reality than exaggeration, especially after the latest incident ahead of his UFC 315 title defense. Despite being the reigning welterweight champion, Muhammad once again found himself in a situation that suggested he’s still flying under the radar. It was another moment that left fans scratching their heads, wondering how a champion continues to be overlooked on the sport’s biggest stage. Following UFC 310, Belal Muhammad found himself in a moment no champion wants to experience.

As he attempted to step into the Octagon for a potential faceoff with Shavkat Rakhmonov, he was unexpectedly stopped at the cage door—by security who didn’t recognize him. The awkward scene played out in front of a live audience, with commentator Joe Rogan stepping in to call it out: “Security doesn’t know he’s the champ. Let him in.” While Rogan’s reaction was aimed at defending Muhammad, the moment was still undeniably uncomfortable—a surreal and humbling reminder of how underappreciated the welterweight champion still is in the public eye. The champion once again found himself in yet another awkward situation—this time during the UFC 315 weigh-ins.

As he prepared to step onto the scale, the defending champion was met with hesitation from Montreal’s athletic commissioner, who appeared not to recognize him. For a fighter holding the welterweight title, it was yet another frustrating reminder of the lack of recognition he continues to battle, even at the highest level of the sport. As the UFC 315 weigh-ins unfolded, play-by-play commentator Jon Anik was calling out each fighter’s name as they approached the scale, including that of welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. But in a moment that left many fans puzzled, the commissioner overseeing the event seemed to miss the announcement entirely. 

Well, this was not the end for ‘Bully B’. This time, he has been completely removed from the main event of UFC 315. MMA Pros took to their Instagram page to share the news with the fans. The image in the post shared the fighters involved in the event. Unfortunately, Muhammad was replaced by Alex Pereira for the main event. Caption in the post read as, “What is this. I don’t know what channel this is, but come on, Pereira? Really?”. This is very unfortunate that the welterweight champion has been constantly treated like this. While there has been no lack of confidence from the champion, fans also have taken a stand for him.

Fans share their honest opinion after Belal Muhammad gets replaced by Pereira

One of the sharpest jabs fans have thrown at Muhammad centers around the irony of his nickname, “Remember the Name.” As the first Palestinian champion in UFC history, the moniker was meant to declare his intent. He wanted to make a lasting mark through his performances inside the Octagon. But after recent incidents, including being unrecognized by security and officials, the nickname has taken on a more bittersweet tone. It seems no one is actually recognizing him. Let us take a look at what the fans had to say about it. 

One of the users was pretty confident that all this had been done intentionally. This is not the first time that the champion was not recognized, which forced the user to comment, “This has to be intentional.” Alex Pereira is without a doubt one of the biggest stars in the sport. One user pointed out how the UFC is trying to use his name to sell the event,  “They try so hard to sell the seats” 

One user didn’t quite believe that this had been done on purpose. While many might have felt it was he commented, “Nobody can tell me they’re doing that on purpose brother”   One user found a funny angle to it and went on to comment, “I post that Disney ” forgot the name”

One user went on to show his support for the Brazilian champion. Although he is not featuring in any of the fights, there’s still one fan rooting for him and commented, “Let’s go Pereira” ‘Bully B’ has never been a fan favorite but still managed to deliver some exceptional performances inside the Octagon. It seems he has made some fans, as one of the users commented, “Nahhh”  One user took serious offense after getting to know about the post. He immediately retaliated with a warning and commented, “Send me this post.” 

Belal Muhammad has always found a way to turn setbacks into fuel. Moments of doubt or disrespect only seem to sharpen his focus. Now, as he prepares to defend his title against Jack Della Maddalena, perhaps he’ll do what he’s done throughout his journey, which has helped him win the welterweight title. Will he rise above it all once again and extend his run? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear them.