Belal Muhammad wasted little time making a press release after falling quick to Ian Machado Garry within the co-main occasion of UFC Qatar.
Muhammad and Garry escaped, and it was “The Future” who earned a unanimous choice victory. Gary has emerged as a high contender within the welterweight division, whereas Muhammad will step down the 170-pound ladder.
“Do not Overlook the Identify” exclaimed on his Instagram account after struggling two consecutive losses till the tip of 2025.
“We could not make it,” Muhammad wrote. “Doha, thanks for the reminiscences. Thanks to my staff, my household, my associates and everybody who’s with me for coming with me it doesn’t matter what. Alhamdillah, for every little thing I am completely happy to be right here…We now have work to do.”
Earlier than this Saturday’s combat, Muhammad advised Newsweek Sports activities that he’s excited to be sharing the Octagon with Gary and is impressed with the Irishman’s rising resume.
“He is a man who’s keen to combat anyone,” Muhammad mentioned. “You’ve got seen him combat MVP (Michael Web page), he is a tricky puzzle. You’ve got seen him combat Shavkat (Rakhmonov), you have seen him combat Prates. This The child is sensible. He understands that he has to combat anyone, and he is attempting to be the very best on the earth. It excites you since you need to beat a man who’s keen to combat anyone.”
It stays to be seen what the 37-year-old Muhammad will do subsequent. Though he would not have a win this yr, an enormous win in 2026 might put him again in competition for the title. Muhammad was 10-0, 1 NC in his final 11 fights earlier than dropping the UFC welterweight title to Jacques Della Maddalena in Might.
As for Garry, he will probably be trying to problem Islam Makhachev for the 170-pound gold medal. It stays to be seen whether or not he has established himself because the No. 1 prospect.
