Belal Muhammad, the former welterweight champion, has experienced a challenging journey to reach the top of his division. His ascent culminated in a shot at the 170-pound title after an impressive nine-fight winning streak. Muhammad claimed the welterweight crown by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2023. Unfortunately, his reign was short-lived, as he faced Jack Della Maddalena in his first title defense at UFC 315 in May 2024 and lost by unanimous decision.
Despite this setback, mixed martial arts commentator Chael Sonnen believes Muhammad's contributions to the sport often go unrecognized. During an interview with The Schmo, Sonnen expressed his bewilderment at the perception some fighters have about Muhammad. He asked, “Why does the whole world treat him like crap? What did Belal do to anybody?” This sentiment highlights a broader issue within the UFC, where fighters are occasionally judged by their personalities rather than their performance in the octagon.
Sonnen continued, noting the division among fighters, stating, “Half of the UFC, it's divided in first floor and second floor. The guys on the second floor don't like him. The guys on the first floor do like him. I don't understand this.” He acknowledged Muhammad's consistent efforts to fight top contenders while remaining humble and respectful, even in defeat.
Throughout his climb to the top of the welterweight division, Muhammad has faced and triumphed over a notable list of opponents. These include seasoned fighters like Demian Maia, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and, of course, Leon Edwards. Before his bout with Della Maddalena, Muhammad had not experienced a loss in six years, underscoring his resilience and skill.
Sonnen provided an example to illustrate Muhammad's tenacity. He pointed to Muhammad’s early career, where he stepped into an undercard match against Sean Brady, a fighter highly regarded for his toughness. Sonnen remarked on how the MMA community has not adequately credited Muhammad for the challenges he has overcome and the caliber of opponents he has faced.
As Sonnen explained, “There's a time in life where if you ever want to become a gentleman, you have to learn how to lose. You have to learn that if things don't go your way, you get back on that horse.” He praised Muhammad as a role model in this regard, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and perseverance. Sonnen asserted that Muhammad deserves more credit for his character and determination, qualities that are often overlooked in the world of professional fighting.
In summary, Belal Muhammad's journey to the welterweight title and his experiences following his first title defense showcase his dedication to the sport. Despite the challenges, his ability to overcome obstacles and maintain professionalism reflects the heart and spirit of an athlete. With notable victories and a strong fighting spirit, Muhammad has established himself as a serious contender in the UFC welterweight division. The lack of recognition does not diminish his accomplishments or contributions to the sport.
