Belal Muhammad has promised to return stronger after suffering another setback inside the Octagon.
The former UFC welterweight champion fell to rising contender Gabriel Bonfim in the main event of UFC Vegas 118 on Saturday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. While fans were divided on their predictions heading into the fight, the result left little room for debate after five rounds.
Bonfim dominated the contest from start to finish, earning a unanimous decision victory with three 50-45 scorecards.
Despite the loss, Belal Muhammad remains focused on the road ahead.
Taking to Instagram after the fight, the former champion reflected on the defeat and thanked those who have continued to support him throughout his career.
“Alhamdillah for everything, too blessed to be stressed,” Muhammad wrote.”You don’t find out who you are when everything goes your way. You find out when it doesn’t. Grateful for the journey, grateful for the lessons. I’ll be back.Thank you to all my supporters, my team, and family.”
The loss marks a difficult stretch for Muhammad, who captured the UFC welterweight title in 2024 with a dominant victory over Leon Edwards. That win extended his unbeaten streak to 11 fights and cemented his place at the top of the division.
Since then, however, momentum has shifted.Muhammad lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena in his first championship defense before suffering another decision defeat against Ian Machado Garry. The loss to Bonfim now leaves him on a three-fight skid for the first time in his UFC career.
One of the biggest concerns in Muhammad’s recent performances has been the absence of his trademark wrestling. After building his championship run around relentless pressure and elite grappling, he has failed to secure a single takedown in his last two outings.
Without that weapon, Muhammad has struggled to control fights and has consistently found himself trailing on the scorecards against younger and more dynamic opponents.
Even in defeat, Muhammad took time to recognize one of his teammates and fellow UFC stars.Sharing a photo alongside Brendan Allen, he praised the middleweight contender following his co-main event victory over Edmen Shahbazyan.
“Congrats my brother on his big win. His hard work paying off on his way to the title.”
While questions remain about what comes next for Belal Muhammad, the veteran welterweight appears determined to keep fighting and work his way back into contention.
The road back to the top of the division may be difficult, but Muhammad has made one thing clear: he has no plans to walk away after UFC Vegas 118.
