Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad isn’t buying Islam Makhachev’s preferred path as the new 170-pound king. Following Makhachev’s dominant unanimous decision win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322,
Muhammad accused the champion of looking past the most deserving contenders and eyeing what he believes is an easier first title defense.
Islam Makhachev became a two-division UFC champion last month when he dismantled Della Maddalena to claim the welterweight belt. The performance only strengthened his status as one of the elite fighters of his era. With contenders like Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov knocking on the door, the division appeared stacked with fresh challenges.
Instead, Makhachev quickly pointed to former champion Kamaru Usman as his preferred next opponent. That suggestion didn’t sit well with Belal Muhammad.
“When I look at the welterweight division, Islam being the champion, who do I think deserves it? Who do I think has earned it? Michael Morales for sure has earned it,” Muhammad said on his YouTube channel. “But we see Islam planting the seeds of Usman being the next guy. Obviously, they have the same manager. The manager’s planting seeds in his head for who it should be.”
Muhammad didn’t stop there, questioning both the timing and logic behind Usman’s sudden title relevance.
“Do I think Usman is an easier matchup for him? Of course,” Muhammad said. “The guy fought one time in three years, he’s 1-3. You can talk, say whatever you want, but he turned down fights. I don’t think that should warrant a title fight when you say no to fights.”
Usman, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, snapped a three-fight skid with a decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Still, Muhammad believes recent form should matter more than legacy, especially with undefeated contenders like Morales and Rakhmonov still waiting.
“Call me a hater,” Muhammad continued. “I’m just looking at the division from a different lens.”
The criticism also carries a personal edge. Muhammad and Usman have history dating back to a tense moment on Usman’s podcast, and “Remember the Name” has long pushed for the matchup. After a rough 2025 that saw him lose the title and drop another fight later in the year, Muhammad is eager to reset in 2026.
“If it is Morales [who gets the title shot], I think me and Usman make the most sense,” Muhammad said. “I’ve wanted that fight. I’ve asked for it. We’ll see if we get it.”
For Belal Muhammad, the issue isn’t just about Islam Makhachev’s next move, it’s about merit, momentum, and keeping the welterweight division honest.
