The UFC 315 main event is just days away from its showdown, when Belal Muhammad will defend his UFC welterweight championship against Jack Della Maddalena. However, Muhammad’s challenges only seem to be mounting as the event approaches. Heading into his first title defence, ‘Bully B’ is now surrounded by questions of the potential match-up against the Dagestani Islam Makhachev and his team, whom he considers a close friend.

Recently, Islam Makhachev created a massive buzz in the MMA community when he posted an IG story alongside his gym partner Raisov Yusuf, in which his partner wrote: “he goes for the second one, @danawhite.” Sending an alarm all across the world of combat sports that Islam will be fighting only for the 170-pound throne next. What made the announcement so dramatic was Belal’s statement before his announcement regarding Islam’s next fight, saying he will remain the champion after UFC 315 and that Makhachev should book and train for his next fight.

“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.” These are the words that sent the MMA world into a storm that it is in today, and that too, just before the biggest fight of Muhammad’s life. However, Belal doesn’t wanna believe it’s real. True, it hasn’t been put in ink and paper, and following this narrative, Muhammad denied any potential of a fight between himself and Makhachev.

During a UFC 315 presser, amid denying a potential fight with Islam Makhachev, Muhammad said: “Nah, I don’t think he would do that. I talk to Khabib all the time. He even messaged me the other day. So, like I said, that guy is so big about loyalty and it’s the same way.”

 

While emphasizing on his close friendship with Khabib Nurmagomedov, Muhammad’s answer did not sit well with a majority of the MMA community, and their reasons are valid. For his fight against Leon Edwards, Muhammad went to Dagestan to train alongside ‘The Eagle’ and he did yield great results of this intensive training. As he beat Edwards with a dominant performance to become the new 170-pound kingpin of the UFC.

The statement stirred both confusion and criticism from fans who believe friendship should never block greatness. After all, if Khabib’s own legacy was built on climbing over teammates and rivals alike, should Islam stop short of Belal?

“Nobody is your friend bud”- Fans give Belal Muhammad a reality check

Belal Muhammad’s response to question regarding his potential future fight with Islam Makhachev is being considered by fans as a rather stupid move. The fans believe even if both the parties are on good terms, the competition should not be bothered because of it. Belal’s reasoning of Khabib’s friendship to avoid a fight with Makhachev is evident for some fans, one of them commented: “I think if it comes down to it Islam will move up for his legacy it’s hard to think Belal is that important to their team.“ while another one joined him, commenting: “lol Belal is dumber than I thought. Islam is getting the next welterweight title shot.” These fans were hinting at a possibility that Muhammad seems to ignore. 

Muhammad’s critics could not have found a better place to lay down some heavy blows on the welterweight champion as one such critic commented: 

“UFC is being ruined by these type of fighters. Hate to say it but it’s true. People have zero interest in these type of fighters or their styles they possess.” yet one critic went ‘no holds barred’ on Muhammad as he commented: “I dont think they care about you. You are the only one talking about khabib and cousins but they never mentioned your name.” A rather harsh but important reality check, even if they don’t mean it, they’re telling Muhammad to trust himself only and stay sharp.

A ‘JDM” fan also made his entry on the post, predicting the fight in the favor of the Australian striker as he said:

“It really doesn’t matter when JDM wins this weekend this talk will be over.” Yet the sharpest comment on the post asked for the logic behind this ‘friendship’ in the middle of an ever-going competition and putting Makhachev’s welterweights ambitions on a thread as the critic asked: “This is so stupid, so if jdm wins and Islam beats him does Belal never fight for the belt again??? This is all so dumb.” Indeed, in his steps to avoid Makhachev, Muhammad maybe looking over his current task at hand as well.

But here’s the nuance many miss—Muhammad is navigating a world where loyalty still means something. Born and raised in Chicago, the Palestinian-American champion has long walked the line between devotion to his roots and a drive for UFC greatness. His bond with Khabib’s team is built on shared battles.

Still, critics argue that in a sport fueled by competition, the belt must come before brotherhood.

So who do you think will come out as the victor of the UFC 315 main event? And will they challenge Islam Makhachev next? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.