Belal Muhammad is about to move up to Middleweight division to destroy Dricus Du Plessis and snatch the championship after UFC 315

Belal Muhammad is ready to shake up the UFC landscape. After years of dominance in the welterweight division, Muhammad is now setting his sights on an even bigger prize—the UFC Middleweight Championship. His target? Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion and one of the most formidable fighters in the division today. Muhammad’s announcement comes on the heels of UFC 315, signaling his intent to challenge for gold in a new weight class.

Belal Muhammad’s Rise to the Top

For years, Belal Muhammad has been a relentless force in the welterweight division. With an ironclad defense, an unbreakable spirit, and a wrestling-heavy fighting style that grinds opponents into submission, he has earned his place among the elite. However, despite his impressive record and undeniable skill, a UFC title has always eluded him. Many fans and analysts expected him to get his long-awaited title shot at welterweight, but Muhammad seems to have different plans.

The decision to move up to middleweight comes as a bold and calculated move. While some may question whether he can handle the size and power of the middleweight fighters, Muhammad is confident that his relentless pace, exceptional cardio, and technical prowess will allow him to overcome the new challenge.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Middleweight King

Standing in Muhammad’s way is none other than Dricus Du Plessis, the newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion. Du Plessis has been a revelation in the UFC, bulldozing his way through the division with a mix of explosive striking and underrated grappling. His recent victory to capture the title proved that he belongs among the best, and he has no intention of giving up his throne anytime soon.

Du Plessis brings a unique style to the octagon. His wild yet effective striking, coupled with a never-say-die attitude, makes him one of the most dangerous middleweights today. Many have tried to break him, but he has continued to rise to the occasion. However, Belal Muhammad believes he has the perfect game plan to neutralize the South African champion and take over the middleweight division.

Why Muhammad’s Move to Middleweight Makes Sense

There are several reasons why Belal Muhammad moving to middleweight is a logical decision. Firstly, he has struggled to get a welterweight title shot despite his impressive win streak. The division has been clogged with rematches and big-name fighters who continue to get opportunities ahead of him. Moving up gives him a fresh start and a faster path to a title shot.

Secondly, Muhammad’s fighting style may translate well to 185 pounds. He has a relentless pressure game, a strong wrestling base, and exceptional cardio—traits that can trouble bigger opponents who may not be used to such a suffocating pace. While he may be giving up some size, his skill set could compensate for that disadvantage.

Potential Challenges in the Middleweight Division

The middleweight division is full of killers. While Dricus Du Plessis is the main target, other top contenders in the division could pose significant challenges to Muhammad’s championship aspirations. Fighters like Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier, Sean Strickland, and Robert Whittaker have proven themselves at 185 pounds and will be tough obstacles for Muhammad if he wants to climb the rankings quickly.

Moreover, moving up a weight class comes with its own set of physical challenges. Muhammad will need to adjust to facing larger opponents who carry significantly more power. His durability and ability to withstand heavy strikes will be tested more than ever before. However, if he can impose his game plan effectively, he could emerge as a real threat in the division.

Can Muhammad Handle Du Plessis’ Power?

One of the biggest questions surrounding this potential fight is whether Belal Muhammad can handle the power of Dricus Du Plessis. The middleweight champion has showcased his knockout ability multiple times, finishing some of the best fighters in the world. His aggressive fighting style often overwhelms opponents, leaving them unable to keep up with his relentless offense.

Muhammad’s defensive abilities and wrestling could play a major role in neutralizing this threat. If he can avoid getting caught in wild exchanges and take the fight to the ground, he has a good chance of wearing down Du Plessis over five rounds. His strategy will likely revolve around suffocating pressure, calculated takedowns, and grinding out a victory.

What a Win Would Mean for Muhammad

If Belal Muhammad can successfully move up and defeat Dricus Du Plessis, it would be one of the greatest accomplishments of his career. He would join a select group of fighters who have won championships in multiple weight classes, further cementing his legacy in the UFC.

Additionally, winning the middleweight title could set up some massive fights for Muhammad. A potential showdown with former champion Israel Adesanya would be a huge pay-per-view draw, as would fights against other middleweight stars like Sean Strickland or Jared Cannonier. The possibilities are endless, and a victory over Du Plessis would open the door to new career-defining moments.

Is This the Right Move for Muhammad?

While the idea of Muhammad moving up to 185 pounds is exciting, it does come with risks. The middleweight division is stacked with powerful strikers, and Muhammad has spent his entire career fighting at 170 pounds. The adjustment period could be difficult, and there’s no guarantee that his style will translate perfectly to a heavier division.

That being said, Muhammad has always been known for his discipline and work ethic. If anyone can make the transition successfully, it’s him. His dedication to improving his game and his ability to adapt to different challenges make him a dangerous contender regardless of weight class.

Final Thoughts: Will Muhammad Shock the World?

Belal Muhammad’s decision to move up to middleweight and challenge Dricus Du Plessis is a bold and ambitious move. He has proven himself as one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC, and now he has the opportunity to finally capture gold. The road won’t be easy, but if Muhammad can implement his game plan and handle the power of the middleweight division, he could soon be wearing UFC gold around his waist.

The question now is: Will Muhammad’s skills and relentless pace be enough to dethrone Dricus Du Plessis, or will the size and power of the middleweight division prove too much to handle? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Belal Muhammad is coming, and he’s ready to take over.