It seems like UFC champions today are more focused on chasing double-champ status rather than racking up title defenses like in the old-school era. Back then, the true GOATs were the ones who defended their belts the most. But ever since Conor McGregor pulled it off, everyone wants to be a two-division champ—it’s become the new trend. Now, Belal Muhammad, the reigning welterweight champion, has laid out his plan to move up and challenge Dricus Du Plessis for middleweight gold.
Muhammad has mapped out a dominant game plan for a potential fight against middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. He envisions starting with a clean 1-2, slipping an overhand, and securing an early takedown, controlling the first round with relentless ground-and-pound. By round two, he predicts landing a flying knee, executing a Zabit-style back trip, and mocking Du Plessis to frustrate him. As the champion swings wildly, Muhammad expects to counter with ease, stuff a desperate takedown, and punish him with body kicks while grounded.
By the third round, Muhammad sees Du Plessis completely demoralized, unable to land strikes or secure a takedown. He anticipates a frustrated attempt at spinning attacks, which would open the door for a back take. From there, he believes Du Plessis would leave his neck exposed out of frustration. Allowing Muhammad to secure a submission and put him to sleep—crowning himself the new double champ.
I’d come out him with a 1-2 then he’d wing an overhand I’ll duck it change levels and take him down then he’d shrimp and get the underhook to get out but he’ll be to weak to get up so then I’ll hit him with ground and pound for the rest of round 1. Round 2 starts and I come out… https://t.co/vL07RWaPKT
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 11, 2025
Belal Muhammad’s strategy against Dricus Du Plessis sounds airtight, from early takedowns to a third-round submission. However, as Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” While Muhammad envisions a flawless performance, the unpredictability of a fight means adapting in real-time will be just as crucial as a strategy.
Belal Muhammad Calls Sean Strickland A Coward
The Welterweight champ dismissed Sean Strickland’s tough-guy image, claiming he isn’t just acting crazy but is actually a racist. The UFC welterweight champion didn’t hold back, calling Strickland a coward who hides behind his fighter persona. Muhammad made it clear he sees through the act and isn’t buying into Strickland’s reputation as an unfiltered wild card.
Muhammad continues to criticize middleweight fighters and the division. But it’s unclear if he’ll move up. With his ambitions of becoming a double champ, his next steps will determine whether he backs up his talk or sticks to defending his WW title.
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Also Read: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis 2 Payouts Revealed: Who Earned The Most At UFC 312?
