Belal Muhammad Taunts: ‘Khamzat Chimaev Wants to Fight? Wait Until I Take Down Kamaru Usman and Get the Championship First!’

Belal Muhammad is not backing down—and now he’s making bold claims aimed directly at Khamzat Chimaev, arguably the UFC’s most polarizing rising star. In a sharp and calculated statement, Muhammad fired a shot that’s sent shockwaves through the welterweight division:
“If Chimaev wants a fight, he’ll have to wait—because I’m taking down Usman next and going for the title!”

The heat is rising in the UFC’s 170-pound class, and Belal Muhammad’s recent comments have reignited a firestorm of discussion over rankings, legacy, and who truly deserves the next title shot. Is Muhammad ready to dethrone legends like Kamaru Usman and face off against the likes of Leon Edwards—or even Chimaev himself?

The Rise of Belal Muhammad

Over the past few years, Belal Muhammad has transformed from a mid-card contender into a legitimate title threat. Riding an impressive 9-fight unbeaten streak, including dominant wins over Vicente Luque, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Gilbert Burns, Muhammad has silenced critics with his relentless pace, smothering wrestling, and elite cardio.

Despite not being the flashiest finisher in the division, Muhammad’s consistency and work ethic have made him one of the most respected and dangerous fighters in the welterweight lineup.

He has made it clear in recent interviews that his eyes are fixed on championship gold, not media hype. But when Khamzat Chimaev’s name resurfaced, Muhammad wasn’t afraid to throw verbal jabs.

“Chimaev talks a lot, but I’ve actually fought the best. I’m not chasing Twitter clout—I’m chasing that belt,” Muhammad told reporters.
“Let him wait his turn. I’ve earned mine.”

The Chimaev Factor

Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated phenom with a 13-0 record, has taken the MMA world by storm since his debut. Known for his devastating finishes and no-nonsense approach, Chimaev has quickly jumped divisions and called out virtually every top name from Israel Adesanya to Leon Edwards.

But after struggling to make weight at welterweight and having only one fight in 2024—a close decision win over Kamaru Usman—many have questioned whether Chimaev is deserving of a fast-track title shot.

Belal Muhammad clearly believes the answer is no. He sees Chimaev’s rise as more marketing than merit.

“He beat a guy on 10 days’ notice and everyone acts like he ran through the division. I’ve done the real work. Give me Kamaru and then the title. Chimaev can wait.”

Target Locked: Kamaru Usman

In a twist of fate, Kamaru Usman, the former longtime welterweight champion, is now seen as a litmus test for new contenders. After losing back-to-back fights to Leon Edwards and a short-notice loss to Chimaev at middleweight, Usman remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC, but questions surround his prime.

Belal Muhammad sees Usman as the key to unlocking his championship dreams. If a fight between the two is booked, it would likely serve as a title eliminator, with the winner facing the victor of Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington or another potential titleholder.

Title Shot Implications

Dana White and the UFC brass have not yet confirmed the welterweight title path for 2025, but the picture is becoming clearer:

• Leon Edwards remains the current champion, though rumored matchups with Covington and even Shavkat Rakhmonov have circulated.

• Belal Muhammad is ranked #2 in the division, making him the most logical next contender based on merit.

• Khamzat Chimaev is technically unranked at welterweight due to inactivity and a shift toward middleweight, despite clamoring for a fight in either division.

If Muhammad defeats a name like Usman, it would all but seal his shot at gold—and possibly delay Chimaev’s rise indefinitely.

Verbal Warfare Escalates

While Muhammad is generally respectful, his recent interviews have taken on a more assertive, even taunting tone. When asked about Khamzat again, he laughed and said:

“He calls himself the Boogeyman, but I’m not scared of fairy tales. If he wants smoke, he knows where to find me—after I become champion.”

This sparked an immediate response online. Chimaev’s camp shared cryptic emojis on Instagram and X, while some fans began speculating about a future mega-fight between the two, ideally for the belt.

Muhammad’s Championship Vision

There’s no doubt Belal Muhammad believes his time has come. After years of flying under the radar, he’s carved out a name for himself by dominating ranked opponents and staying active. He was the backup fighter for UFC 296 and has remained ready for opportunities others declined.

He’s also pushed for fairer treatment, accusing the UFC of prioritizing hype machines over true contenders:

“They’re building stories, not careers. I’ve built my resume the hard way. Now I want what I’ve earned.”

If Muhammad beats Kamaru Usman and becomes champion, a title defense against Chimaev would be one of the most anticipated fights in UFC welterweight history. The grappling-heavy styles, national pride (Muhammad is of Palestinian descent, while Chimaev hails from Chechnya), and media personalities would make it a blockbuster headliner.

What Fans and Fighters Are Saying

Social media is abuzz with the potential showdown. MMA fans are split:

• “Belal deserves the title shot. Chimaev needs to beat more top names at 170.”

• “Chimaev is a monster. He’d ragdoll Belal.”

• “Make them fight for the belt—no more talking!”

Veterans like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have chimed in, with Bisping suggesting:

“Chimaev vs. Belal for the interim belt makes sense if Leon’s timeline stretches out.”

Meanwhile, Colby Covington and Shavkat Rakhmonov loom in the background as potential spoilers for everyone.

Final Thoughts: Collision Course or Diversion?

With the welterweight division at a crossroads, Belal Muhammad is staking his claim louder than ever. His confident dismissal of Chimaev’s challenge is a power move—one that may finally earn him the recognition he feels he’s been denied.

But the road won’t be easy. If the UFC matches him with Kamaru Usman, it’ll be his toughest test yet—and only a win will keep his title dreams alive.

As for Khamzat Chimaev, whether he waits, jumps divisions, or calls out another star, one thing is certain: the UFC’s welterweight future is about to get very interesting.