"The winner fights Makhachev in October" - Fans react as Belal Muhammad targets Shavkat Rakhmonov for welterweight title defense

Fans reacted to Belal Muhammad's plan to fight three times in 2025. In July 2024, Muhammad accomplished his lifelong dream to become the UFC welterweight champion. Five months later, the 36-year-old was supposed to defend his title for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov before pulling out due to a severely infected foot.

Earlier this week, MMA Fighting released an interview with Muhammad to talk about his plans for 2025. The 170-pound king revealed he wants to face Rakhmonov in May or June and then return for two more fights between October and December.

Muhammad's plan was re-posted on Twitter by 'Home of Fight,' leading to the following fan reactions in the comment section:

One fan wrote:

"The winner fights Makhachev in October in Abu Dhabi"

Another chimed in, writing:

"Shavkat wins this one. Supposedly last fight he was possibly injured.

One fan wrote:

If he is healthy he will defeat Belal. My opinion."

More reactions from fans (from Home of Fight/X)

On March 22, number one-ranked Leon Edwards and number four-ranked Jack Della Maddalena will headline the latest UFC London event. Although it's unconfirmed by Dana White, the winner could receive a welterweight title shot after Shavkat Rakhmonov.

Watch Belal Muhammad's entire interview with MMA Fighting below:

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Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev have conflicting goals to become two-division champion

Belal Muhammad has said that he doesn't want to fight UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev because they are training partners and friends. The problem is that Makhachev is destined to move up to welterweight to potentially become a two-division champion.

Makhachev has defended his lightweight title four times, making a move up to welterweight possible for 2025. The Russian powerhouse's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who also manages Muhammad, has teased the potential weight class change for the near future.

Meanwhile, Muhammad also wants to become a two-division champion by moving up to middleweight. The difference is that 'Remember The Name' hasn't defended his welterweight title, making it unlikely for Dana White to approve the change.

Makhachev doesn't seem overly against fighting Muhammad, so the UFC welterweight king might have to put his friendship aside later this year.