Belal Muhammad has addressed his recent loss, looking forward despite the setback in his first championship defense.
“Remember the Name” was defeated in the main event of UFC 315, losing his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena after a competitive five-round fight. All three judges scored the bout for Della Maddalena, with two delivering close 48-47 scores.
Later on Saturday, Muhammad posted a brief comment on social media regarding the loss and his future.
He wrote: “Allah’s plan is the best plan. Alhamdillah for everything. Thank you to all my supporters. I been here before and I’ll be back.”
This defeat marks the end of a significant unbeaten streak for Muhammad, who had not lost a fight in over six years, since a unanimous decision against Geoff Neal. His run included 11 fights without a loss, notably a 2021 no-contest against Leon Edwards that ended early due to an accidental eye poke. Muhammad later settled the score with Edwards at UFC 304, securing a dominant decision victory to become the welterweight champion.
Unfortunately for Muhammad, it`s back to the drawing board for now as he failed to achieve a successful first title defense. An immediate rematch appears unlikely, particularly with potential scenarios involving lightweight champion Islam Makhachev potentially moving up for the 170-pound belt and a strong line of contenders waiting.
Potential future opponents for Muhammad include the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov (who was previously scheduled to challenge for the title at UFC 310 before Muhammad withdrew due to injury), Ian Machado Garry, or Sean Brady (whom Muhammad has already defeated). The results of upcoming fights, such as the Gilbert Burns vs. Michael Morales headliner or the bout between former champion Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley, could also influence the welterweight division landscape and Muhammad`s next steps.
Marcus Blakely