Las Vegas — Belal Muhammad is awaiting his first title defense, after being forced out of UFC 310 due to injury.
Winning the title (and defending it) were just a couple of steps in Muhammad’s quest, however. “The journey’s not complete. My journey’s only complete when I’m considered the best welterweight to ever do itber,” he told Cageside Press at the World MMA Awards in December. “So right now, it’s just another part. I said it, I achieved it, now it’s moving on to the next goal.”
Muhammad returned to training mid-December, after being treated for a bone infection in his foot that required IV delivery of antibiotics. He’s hoping to return before long. “For me, I’m looking definitely before summer,” he stated.
Standing behind Muhammad, by chance, was Alex Pereira, the Cageside Press 2024 Fighter of the Year. Having defended his belt three times, headlining the biggest cards of the year, it was an enviable run for Pereira. That’s the sort of run Belal Muhammad would like for 2025.
“100%. I was supposed to fight on this [UFC 310] card, I was trying to do a quick turnaround, got hurt, it happens. But yeah if I’m healthy, I’d rather be in the cage. I love to fight, I love to train. So God-willing, as many fights as possible, I’ll get them in.”
Muhammad also gave his pick for what he brings to a pal’s house if they’re watching the fights. “To a fight party, I’m bringing more so dessert. It’s easier, everybody eats dessert, you don’t have to sit there, pick and choose. Randomly some people don’t like pizza, some people don’t like this, so I’ll just go with dessert.”
Watch our full interview with UFC welterweight champ Belal Muhammad above.
