Former UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has broken his silence following his unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Qatar, marking his second consecutive defeat in the octagon. In a heartfelt Instagram statement, the 37-year-old veteran acknowledged the setback while vowing to continue his fighting journey.
Muhammad Reflects on Qatar Defeat
Belal Muhammad faced a challenging night at UFC Qatar, struggling to implement his wrestling game against the precise striking of Ian Machado Garry. Despite moments of resilience, Muhammad was unable to secure the takedowns needed to control the fight, ultimately falling to a unanimous decision loss that drops his record to 24-5.
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The defeat marks Muhammad’s second straight loss after surrendering his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena earlier this year. The back-to-back setbacks represent the most difficult stretch of Muhammad’s UFC career, raising questions about his future in the increasingly competitive 170-pound division.
Grateful Response Amid Career Crossroads
Taking to social media after the fight, Muhammad struck a reflective but determined tone. “Alhamdulillah for everything… we have work to do,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the support from his team, family, and fans while acknowledging the challenges ahead.
The response typifies Muhammad’s character throughout his career – always gracious in defeat while maintaining his fighting spirit. Even at 37 years old and facing the toughest stretch of his career, Muhammad’s statement suggests he’s not ready to walk away from competition just yet.
Welterweight Landscape Shifts
Muhammad’s loss comes at a time when the welterweight division is experiencing significant upheaval. The emergence of new contenders like Michael Morales and stunning knockouts throughout the rankings have created one of the most competitive environments in recent memory.
For Muhammad, who once reached the pinnacle of the division as champion, the path back to title contention now appears steeper than ever. The combination of consecutive losses and the division’s evolving talent pool places him at a critical juncture in his professional journey.
What’s Next for the Former Champion?
While some might speculate about retirement, Muhammad’s post-fight statement and history of resilience suggest he plans to continue fighting. The question becomes what type of matchup makes sense for the veteran contender as he looks to rebuild momentum.
Potential fights against other established veterans or rising contenders could provide the opportunity Muhammad needs to get back on track. However, at 37 years old in a division filled with hungry young talent, each future bout carries increased significance for his career trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Belal Muhammad say after his loss to Ian Machado Garry?
Muhammad expressed gratitude and determination on Instagram, writing “Alhamdulillah for everything… we have work to do” while thanking his supporters.
How many losses has Muhammad suffered recently?
The UFC Qatar defeat marks his second consecutive loss after previously dropping his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena.
What was the key factor in Muhammad’s loss to Garry?
Muhammad struggled to implement his wrestling game, unable to secure takedowns against Garry’s defensive grappling and striking.
Is Muhammad considering retirement?
While his statement didn’t address retirement directly, his determined tone suggests he plans to continue fighting despite the setbacks.
What is Muhammad’s current UFC record?
The recent loss drops his professional record to 24-5, with both of his consecutive defeats coming in 2025.
