Oct 22, 2022; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Belal Muhammad (red gloves) before his fight against Sean Brady (blue gloves) during UFC 280 at Etihad Arena. Mandatory Credit: Craig Kidwell-USA TODAY Sports
Jumping weight classes is all the rage right now in the UFC. Throughout the promotion’s history, fighters have jumped between classes in search of glory, legacy, and bigger paydays. Now, another fighter is looking to add his name to this illustrious list.
Belal Muhammad has patiently climbed the welterweight rankings for years. His grinding style and incredible cardio have earned him wins but not always fans. Despite his impressive record, Muhammad has often been overlooked in favor of more flashy fighters. But now, with him being at the top of the welterweight division, ‘Remember The Name’ is setting his sights on bigger game as he called for a fight against one of the UFC’s most intimidating prospects.
Also Read: Dricus Du Plessis Claps Back at Khamzat Chimaev Amid UFC 317 Injury Drama
Belal Muhammad Exposes Chimaev’s Cardio Problem
Belal Muhammad isn’t just talking about fighting Khamzat Chimaev. He is breaking down exactly how he would beat him. In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Muhammad laid out a clear gameplan against ‘Borz’ that focuses on the Chechen fighter’s most glaring weakness.
“I’ve called out Khamzat when he was at 170. That’s one of those fights I was always looking for, I’m always looking for the toughest challenge…Stylistically I think I match up very well with him. I think he’ll walk through [Dricus] du Plessis and become champion…[Khamzat] goes so hard in the first round and comes out like a missile… for me, it’s just about taking him to the later rounds and start drowning him.”
Muhammad explained Chimaev’s tendency to burn through his gas tank early. This observation isn’t just trash talk, it is backed by what fans have seen in Chimaev’s fights, particularly his war with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman where his pace noticeably slowed after the first round.
Muhammad’s strategy isn’t complicated but shows his fighting IQ.This approach plays perfectly to Muhammad’s strengths. Known for his incredible cardio and ability to maintain pressure through five grueling rounds, Belal seems custom built to exploit Chimaev’s weakness. While other fighters try to avoid Khamzat’s early storm, Muhammad appears ready to weather it. He is confident he will still be pushing the pace when Chimaev starts to fade.
With champion Dricus Du Plessis sidelined due to injury and Chimaev left without an opponent, the division is in chaos. This uncertainty creates the perfect storm for cross-divisional matchmaking. But Belal Muhammad is set to defend his title for the first time at UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena. The bout with Khamzat Chimaev might have to wait for some time, if it ever happens.
(Image Credit: Craig Kidwell – Imagn Images)
