Belal Muhammad Rules Out Superfight with Islam Makhachev

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has ruled out a fight against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, emphasizing their close relationship and shared training history. Muhammad expressed that he would rather vacate the welterweight title and move up to middleweight than compete against his friend, stating, "I would never fight Islam... We’ve trained together, and it’s just a different relationship." He believes he is only two fights away from challenging for the middleweight title, which he considers the easiest division, aside from Khamzat Chimaev. This perspective comes after Makhachev has hinted at moving up to welterweight in pursuit of a second title. Muhammad has not yet defended his title due to an injury but is eager to solidify his position in the middleweight ranks. Both fighters are navigating their future paths carefully to avoid a conflict that could jeopardize their friendship.