Belal Muhammad Concedes Defeat to Garry, Eyes Makhachev Fight to Reclaim Legacy

When Belal Muhammad stepped out of the cage at Lusail Sports Arena in Doha on November 22, 2025, he didn’t just lose a fight — he lost his place in the UFC’s elite hierarchy. The 36-year-old Palestinian-American welterweight, once the pride of the division and the UFC’s first champion of Palestinian origin, fell to Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in a fight that exposed cracks in his game — and perhaps his future. Just six months after surrendering his title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315Las Vegas, Muhammad’s second straight loss has thrown his career into uncertainty. But here’s the twist: he’s not walking away. He’s looking up — at a man who doesn’t even fight in his weight class.

The Fall From No. 1

Belal Muhammad’s rise was meteoric. After defeating Leon Edwards for the welterweight title on July 21, 2024, in Manchester, he became a symbol of resilience — a man who trained in a garage gym in New Jersey, turned his faith into fuel, and carried the hopes of a global Palestinian community on his back. But since then, the momentum has stalled. His loss to Della Maddalena was brutal but not unexpected. Garry’s win, however, felt different. Seven takedown attempts. Zero successful. A 15-minute clinic in distance control and counter-striking from the 26-year-old Irish fighter representing SBG Ireland in Dublin.

“I just beat the number one welterweight in the world,” Garry said post-fight, his voice sharp with conviction. “There’s nobody else above him other than the world champion. Islam, you try take me down.” The callout wasn’t just bravado — it was a strategic move. By naming Islam Makhachev, the undefeated lightweight champion from Khasavyurt, Dagestan, Garry forced the narrative beyond the welterweight division. And Muhammad? He didn’t shut it down.

A Shift in Strategy: From Title Claims to Cross-Division Dreams

For months, Muhammad had publicly dismissed the idea of facing Makhachev. In interviews after his title loss, he claimed the belt was “vacated” during Makhachev’s reign — a subtle dig at the UFC’s decision to crown him as champion despite Muhammad’s previous reign. But after the Garry loss, everything changed. According to Bloody Elbow’s Andrew Richardson, Muhammad’s camp now openly considers a fight with Makhachev — not for a title, but for legacy. “He wants to prove who the best in the world is,” Richardson wrote on November 22, 2025.

That’s a seismic shift. Makhachev, 28-1, has dominated the lightweight division since 2022, defending his belt three times and winning 12 straight fights. Moving up 15 pounds — from 170 to 155 — would be a physical gamble. But for Muhammad, it’s not about the belt anymore. It’s about being remembered. He’s 36. His body isn’t what it was. And the welterweight depth chart? It’s moving fast. Garry’s win likely vaults him into the No. 2 spot, pushing Muhammad out of the top five. A win over Makhachev? That’s a legacy-defining night. A loss? Still, it’s a fight that would be talked about for years.

What the Numbers Don’t Show

Muhammad’s record reads 23-3 with one no-contest. Impressive. But numbers don’t capture the silence in his camp after the fight. Or the way he held his hands just a little longer than usual on the scale. Or how, during the post-fight interview, he didn’t look at the camera — he looked past it, toward the exit. His Instagram post — “Alhamdillah for everything I’m blessed to be here… we have work to do” — wasn’t a cliché. It was a quiet declaration of purpose.

His team, according to RTE Sport’s Conor O’Donnell, is now evaluating three paths: a rematch with Garry, a fight against rising contender Joaquin Buckley, or the unthinkable — a lightweight bout with Makhachev. The UFC’s next welterweight title defense is set for June 15, 2026, at UFC 320Abu Dhabi. Muhammad won’t be in that main event. But if he steps into the cage with Makhachev in early 2026? That could be the most talked-about fight of the year.

Why This Matters Beyond the Octagon

Belal Muhammad isn’t just a fighter. He’s a bridge. Between cultures. Between generations. Between faith and fame. As Euronews noted, he’s the first UFC champion of Palestinian origin — a fact that made him a hero in refugee camps from Gaza to Jordan. His fights weren’t just athletic contests; they were moments of visibility for a people often erased from global narratives. That’s why his silence after the Garry loss was so heavy. It wasn’t defeatism. It was calculation.

Dana White, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has long been wary of cross-divisional matchups. But White also knows ratings. A Muhammad-Makhachev fight would sell out a stadium in Dubai, draw millions in the Middle East, and make headlines from Cairo to London. It’s not just about who’s better — it’s about who gets to define greatness.

What’s Next?

There’s no official announcement yet. But sources close to Muhammad’s team say a decision will come within 30 days. If he chooses Makhachev, the UFC will need to navigate weight class rules, medical clearances, and the psychological toll of cutting 15 pounds in just weeks. If he stays at welterweight, he’ll likely face a top-5 contender — perhaps Jorge Masvidal in a retirement bout, or Khamzat Chimaev in a high-stakes clash.

But here’s the quiet truth: Muhammad’s legacy is already secure. He held the belt. He carried a community on his shoulders. Now, he’s choosing how he wants to be remembered — not as a fallen champion, but as a man who dared to fight the impossible.