Belal Muhammad
24-5-0
Welterweight
About
Former UFC welterweight champion who out-grinded the division before a rough title reign and post-title slide.
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Belal Muhammad rose from journeyman to UFC welterweight champion on the back of relentless pressure, wrestling and elite conditioning. After years of out-grinding contenders and building one of the division's longest unbeaten runs, he toppled Leon Edwards in 2024 to claim the belt - a self-made champion who never had anything handed to him.
His reign proved brief: he lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena in 2025 and then slid down the ladder with losses to Ian Garry and others as a deep welterweight class moved past him. Fans respect the grind, but his decision-heavy style and constant lobbying for opportunities made him a divisive figure even at his peak.
Why fans love Muhammad
A self-made champion who out-worked everyone and never ducked a fight; an underdog who reached the top on grit.
Why some fans hate Muhammad
His grappling-heavy, decision-leaning style frustrates fans who want finishes, and his persistent campaigning for a title shot rubbed some the wrong way.
