Team Khabib is known for its unbreakable loyalty and strong bond, much like a family. Unlike many other teams in the UFC, their unity stands out. Belal Muhammad, who now trains with them, also reflects that loyalty. When asked about fighting Islam Makhachev, he consistently refuses, showing deep respect. He recently said Ilia Topuria should fight a top contender before earning a title shot, reinforcing his belief that fighters must earn opportunities through merit.
Muhammad made it clear once again that he has no intention of fighting Makhachev, pointing to the deep respect and loyalty he feels toward Islam and Team Khabib. For Belal, the bond and history they share outweigh any potential opportunity in the cage. He also commented on Ilia Topuria’s rising profile, urging him to prove himself against a top contender before earning a title shot.
In his words, “There’s just way too much respect and loyalty on my end (for Team Khabib). I think Ilia definitely needs to fight somebody before he gets the title shot. It’s not really worth it for Islam to give another 145er a chance because no matter what happens, people are gonna hate on Islam and Team Khabib.”
Belal Muhammad once again clarified he won’t fight Islam Makhachev and suggested Ilia should face a contender before getting a title case.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 24, 2025
"I wouldn’t fight him [Islam]. They’ve done so much for me. It wouldn’t be worth it to fight those guys. There’s just way too much respect… pic.twitter.com/SefvLApgDu
In Belal’s view, giving another featherweight a shot at the lightweight belt doesn’t make sense, especially when it risks opening Islam and his team up to unnecessary criticism regardless of the outcome.
Ilia Topuria Says He Won’t Fight Unless It Is A Title Fight
Ilia Topuria has made it clear that he’s not interested in warm-up fights or fighting a top contender first. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, he said the UFC had promised him a title shot after he gave up his featherweight belt. Topuria also said he’s willing to wait as long as needed until Makhachev agrees to fight, showing he’s serious about getting the title opportunity directly.
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Topuria gave up his featherweight belt and believes he earned the right to fight for the title directly. He refuses to take any tune-up fights or face a top contender first. He claims the UFC promised him the next shot and says he will wait as long as it takes. His confidence and determination show he’s serious about becoming a champion.
Also Read: “I Don’t Train MMA” – Ilia Topuria Drops Truth Bomb About His Training Routine
