Belal Muhammad has never been the most popular fighter among UFC fans, but he’s consistently proven people wrong with one impressive performance after another. He silenced the doubters by earning his spot as a UFC champ and proving he truly belongs at the top. Now, ‘Remember the Name’ has his sights set on one of the most dangerous fighters in the game—Khamzat Chimaev. But it’s not about drama or beef. Belal made it clear he wants to test himself against the best.
In an interview with The Brian Campbell Experience, Belal said his callout of Khamzat Chimaev is not personal. It was purely with the idea of pushing himself to fight the best of the best. He said that while Khamzat was competing in the 170 weight class, he was asking for the fight to display that he was one of the best. Belal has said that he’s willing to “take all the smoke.” And put it up against the best in the world so he can show what he’s capable of.
Belal Muhammad clarified that there's nothing personal with Khamzat 🤝 — he's calling him out simply because it's a tough matchup 🥊🔥.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 3, 2025
"I want all the smoke. I want to fight the best guys in the world. When he was at 170, I was asking for him — I wanted to fight him, and it… pic.twitter.com/ebIyDqJYbD
After he mentioned his interest in fighting Chimaev, fans quickly reacted—many questioning his priorities and calling him out for targeting Chimaev instead of pursuing what they see as bigger, more relevant matchups. One reacting to this questions why he is ducking Shavkat Rakhmonov, wrote, “>Wants to fight best guys in promotion > Ducks shav, uhhh.”
>Wants to fight best guys in promotion
— VirtualJester.x (@VirtualJester_) May 3, 2025
>Ducks shav
uhuh….
While some fans suggested that he should fight Islam Makhachev, saying, “Then fight islam, he is best of the best.”
Then fight islam, he is best of the best.
— Labib D. Habibi (@labibhabibi19) May 3, 2025
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Then fight Islam.
— SWADE (@Swade_X) May 3, 2025
Makhachev rn pic.twitter.com/zfg7vFN10b
— SU 🥋 (@Nolimitsu_) May 3, 2025
Meanwhile, one fan said the only serious fight he has taken was against Leon Edwards, and that too just because it was for the title. “When did Belal ask for Khamzat? The only guy who was willing to take that fight was Leon. Belal was sitting out for over an year to demand his title shot,” the fan wrote.
When did Belal ask for Khamzat? The only guy who was willing to take that fight was Leon. Belal was sitting out for over an year to demand his title shot.
— FriDiGiDi (@FriDiGiDi) May 3, 2025
Khamat Chimaev Took Shots At Belal Muhammad
Amidst all the talk, Chimaev didn’t hold back on social media after Belal Muhammad mentioned a potential fight between them. Taking to X, Chimaev mocked the UFC welterweight champ by calling him a “pony,” clearly unimpressed with the callout. The Chechen fighter, known for his aggressive style and sharp tongue, seemed to take offense to Muhammad’s comments. In response, Belal stood his ground and said he would soon go in the Middleweight, setting the stage for a fiery clash if the two ever met in the Octagon.
A fight against Chimaev would definitely be a huge test for Belal, especially considering Chimaev’s undefeated record and dominant reputation. But it could also be the perfect opportunity for Belal to prove he can hang with the most dangerous names in the sport.
On top of that, he’s already had some tension with current Middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis, so making a move up to 185 could open the door for even bigger matchups and more legacy-defining moments in his career.
Also Read: Dricus Du Plessis Lashes Out At Belal Muhammad’s 185 Dream: “UFC Doesn’t Even Like Belal”
