Belal Muhammad is set to face Jack Della Maddalena in a match that carries significant implications for the welterweight championship. UFC fighter Dan Hooker recently articulated the stakes during an appearance on ‘Submission Radio,’ emphasizing that the outcome of this bout could shape the UFC’s direction moving forward.
Hooker suggested that the UFC brass, including Dana White, is keen to observe the result of the Maddalena-Muhammad clash before making any announcements regarding Islam Makhachev’s future. If Maddalena comes out on top, Hooker believes it would compel Makhachev to transition to the welterweight division.
“If JDM wins, 100% Islam will go up and fight for the welterweight title. That’s what they’re all waiting on this weekend before anything gets announced with Islam or Ilia or any of that. And then we’ll probably see Charles and Topuria fighting for the lightweight belt. If Islam stays, he’ll fight Ilia for the belt,” said Hooker.
Dan Hooker says UFC is waiting for Belal vs JDM to make any decision about the lightweight division 🧐
“If JDM wins, 100% Islam will go up and fight for the welterweight title. That’s what they’re all waiting on this weekend before anything gets announced with Islam or Ilia or… pic.twitter.com/er93D6ip8v
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 1, 2025
This perspective appears well-founded, especially considering Makhachev’s expressed desire to move up in weight. Adding to the dynamics, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Makhachev’s mentor, has been hesitant to endorse Ilia Topuria for a title shot. Compounding the situation, Belal Muhammad has recently stated that he would not fight Makhachev.
Belal Muhammad Extends His Gratitude To Islam Makhachev
Belal Muhammad has received substantial support from Team Khabib. He shared how ‘The Eagle’ helped him devise a strategy for his own fight against Leon Edwards. Given the strong ties he has developed with his Dagestani mentors, Muhammad has expressed reluctance to face any of them in the octagon. In a recent statement, he made it clear that he will not fight Islam Makhachev.
“I wouldn’t fight [Islam]. Their team has done so much for me, they’ve helped me so much. It wouldn’t be worth it for me to fight those guys. There’s way too much respect and loyalty on my end,” said Muhammad.
Belal Muhammad remains adamant that he will NOT fight Islam Makhachev:
“I wouldn’t fight [Islam]. Their team has done so much for me, they’ve helped me so much. It wouldn’t be worth it for me to fight those guys.
There’s way too much respect and loyalty on my end.”
(via.… pic.twitter.com/sHij8Y54Ge
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 24, 2025
These developments further complicate the landscape. Should Muhammad succeed in defending his title, a showdown between Makhachev and Topuria could be on the horizon. Conversely, if he falters, Topuria might then vie for the vacant lightweight title against contenders like Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. With these shifting dynamics, it will be interesting to see how the UFC navigates its next steps.
