“He could go up to 185!” Belal Muhammad requests Islam Makhachev to halt 170-pound dreams and fight in middleweight – SportsVikings

Islam Makhachev showed at UFC 302 why he is the pound-for-pound number one fighter in the UFC. After five rounds of the grueling clash with Dustin Poirier, the Dagestani came out victorious. After the win, Makhachev immediately mentioned his intentions to fight for the 170 lbs belt. However, top welterweight contender, Belal Muhammad has suggested otherwise.

In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Belal Muhammad talked about the possibility of defending his welterweight bout against Islam Makhachev after winning it. Muhammad revealed that he would never fight Makhachev and advised the lightweight champ to move up to middleweight.

I would never fight [Islam], 100%. But honestly he could go up to 185 and beat du Plessis right now…Skip over 170 for a little bit, let me beat a couple of these younger guys and then I’ll go up to 185. He has plenty of time man
Belal Muhammad via MMA Fighting YouTube 

‘Remember The Name’ is currently slated for a title fight with Leon Edwards at the upcoming pay-per-view event at UFC 304. The PPV is going to take place at Manchester and the homegrown hero will defend his title for the third time. While Edwards will be the crowd favorite, it won’t be surprising to see Muhammad pull off a massive upset.

Ahead of his much-anticipated clash, Belal Muhammad has been training hard with Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s team including Islam Makhachev. Muhammad has also revealed his plans to travel to Dagestan and continue his training camp ahead of UFC 304. This might be a game changer for Muhammad and his manager is also pleased with it.

Belal Muhammad’s manager talks about the welterweight’s training with Islam Makhachev 

Both Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev are managed by Ali Abdelaziz, who previously did the same for Khabib Nurmagomedov. Over the years their relationship has evolved and fans often see them train with each other.

Ali Abdelaziz talks about Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad training with each other (via Instagram)

During an interview with ESPN MMA, Ali Abdelaziz talked about Belal Muhammad’s training with Team Khabib. According to Abdelaziz, Nurmagomedov is the mastermind and has helped both Makhachev and Muhammad to get better with their skills.

Khabib is the Guru, Khabib is the mind. He loves Belal, I don’t know what he is going to be involved but listen Islam Makhachev is a southpaw, Leon Edwards is a southpaw. Some of the best fighters in the world are there [Dagestan]. 
Ali Abdelaziz via ESPN MMA