Belal Muhammad made history when he triumphed against Leon Edwards to become the UFC welterweight champion. Unfortunately, the joy did not last long at all. Returning to defend his title, Muhammad lost it in his first attempt. Surprisingly, despite the brutal loss, former UFC star Michael Bisping mentioned how Muhammad managed to get his stocks up.
In a recent interaction, Bisping stated that the nature of the fight will surely make the fans admire Muhammad. Going toe to toe with a vicious striker like Jack Della Maddalena made the fight entertaining. Thus, the UFC realm will surely have much more respect for the former champion than before.
“Yes, Bilal lost the belt, but I think his stock, in a weird way, has risen higher, even though he’s not a champion… But I think in terms of general perception from the fans, they now have more respect for Belal Mohamed,” Bisping said.
Michael Bisping believes Belal Muhammad's stock has gone up despite his loss at UFC 315.(📈
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 12, 2025
"Yes, Belal lost the belt, but I think his stock, in a weird way, has risen higher even though he's not a champion."
🎥 @bisping pic.twitter.com/HWx3tYEALQ
Surely, such a statement is huge. That’s because Muhammad was once termed the most ‘boring’ champion by the UFC fans. Following a grueling wrestling session with Edwards, the fans turned against Muhammad. Now, it does seem like the tides have turned. Meanwhile, as Muhammad looked to make a strong comeback, his loss paved the way for Islam Makhachev to move up.
Islam Makhachev Ready For Second Belt After Belal Muhammad’s Loss
The face-off between Jack Della Madalena and Belal Muhammad was more than just a fight. Lightweight icon Islam Makhachev, too, had a close watch on the bout as well. Muhammad’s loss made it easier for Makhachev to set his sights on becoming a double champion. Soon after Della Maddalena became the new champion, Makhachev did not hide his state of mind.
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Taking to his X account, the lightweight king wrote, “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go.”
Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) May 11, 2025
Let’s go
Now, with a lot going on, the welterweight division looks quite an interesting prospect. And as Belal Muhammad returns to the drawing board to regroup, it remains to be seen whether his good friend Islam Makhachev can avenge his loss.
Also Read: Sean Brady Ready To Sign For Ian Garry Fight, With Or Without Belal Muhammad
