UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad called out Khamzat Chimaev for a middleweight fight, leading to an exchange on X on April 29 2025. Muhammad sees Chimaev as a tough challenge, while Chimaev replied with a playful jab. This back-and-forth has caught attention, even as Muhammad prepares to defend his 170-pound title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315 on May 10 2025 in Montreal.
Muhammad spoke on Submission Radio, saying:
“I’ve called out Khamzat when he was 170. That’s one of those fights I was always looking for, I’m always looking for the toughest challenge. Stylistically I think I match up very well with him. I do think he’ll walk through du Plessis and become champion.”
Chimaev posted on X:
“bullyb170 where are you going pony.”
bullyb170 куда ты лезешь пони 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/i4HMuSSavJ
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) April 29, 2025
Muhammad answered on X:
“Goin to middleweight.”
Goin to middleweight https://t.co/u4QzXQb3iP pic.twitter.com/owTlYl8HHH
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) April 29, 2025
Can Muhammad Face Chimaev at Middleweight?
Muhammad, 36, has a 24-3 record with 5 knockouts and 1 submission. He won the welterweight title by beating Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July 2024. His strong cardio and wrestling helped him defeat Gilbert Burns.
Chimaev, 30, is 14-0 with 6 knockouts and 6 submissions. He last submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308.
People on X have different views. Some, like @DovySimuMMA , say Muhammad’s stamina could outlast Chimaev in later rounds, while others, like @RobbieBlunt5, believe Chimaev’s early power is too strong. Chimaev is expected to fight Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title, possibly at UFC 317, but Du Plessis’s injury has delayed plans. Muhammad wants to move to 185 pounds to avoid fighting teammate Islam Makhachev.
Joaquin Buckley said Muhammad’s weaker punches won’t beat Du Plessis, but Muhammad believes middleweight is easier except for Chimaev. Muhammad’s next fight is against Della Maddalena, who has a 17-2 record with 11 knockouts. Chimaev’s plans depend on Du Plessis’s recovery, with UFC boss Dana White confirming their fight is next. This exchange has drawn interest for a potential big fight.
