It sounds like Belal Muhammad is changing his mind about a potential clash with training partner and current UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Muhammad, who faces Ian Garry in UFC Qatar’s co-main
event later this afternoon (Sat., Nov. 22, 2025), is coming off a title fight loss to Jack Della Maddalena back at UFC 315 this past May. That snapped an 11-fight unbeaten streak by “Remember The Name” and ultimately cleared a path for Makhachev to move up from lightweight and try to win his second belt.
Remember, Muhammad and Makhachev never wanted to fight one another.
Heading into 2026, things may change when it comes to a matchup between Muhammad and Makhachev. That’s because Makhachev just won the undisputed UFC welterweight title with a win over JDM at UFC 322 last weekend and is looking to actively defend as often as he can. This could lead to a potential showdown with Muhammad, only if both fighters are willing to put their friendship aside.
For Muhammad, he seems to be at that point right now, but will need to win this weekend to keep his name in the title hunt entering next year.
“When you look too much in the future you look past what’s in front of you,” said Muhammad during a recent interview with TMZ Sports. “We did that last fight. This fight we’re only looking at Ian Garry and after that you can talk to me Sunday.”
“You’re in the sport to be the best in the world,” added Muhammad about the idea of fighting Makhachev.
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