Belal Muhammad barely holds back his opinions, and his recent comments about the UFC’s middleweight division generated a wide variety of responses. The current welterweight champion recently dismissed 185 pounds as the “easiest weight class” outside of Khamzat Chimaev, even saying Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis “suck.” With Muhammad considering a potential move up in weight, his statements have piqued the interest of fellow fighters, including Joaquin Buckley, who wasted no time warning the welterweight champion that his verdict about nobody but Khamzat Chimaev being the strongest is definitely wrong.

‘New Mansa’ was not pleased with Muhammad’s words and issued a direct warning about a potential fight with ‘Stillknocks.’. Buckley said on his YouTube channel that Muhammad would face an uphill battle against the South African champion. “Belal, I’m warning you. You don’t have the tools or weapons to beat someone like DDP,”  Buckley said. “You can’t take him down, and you ain’t knocking him out with your pillow hands.” His message surely highlighted the welterweight champion’s size and power disadvantages against middleweight rivals, especially against a physically threatening opponent like Dricus Du Plessis.

Despite the criticism, Muhammad is certain that he can become a two-division champion. ‘Remember the name has indicated that with two more victories, he will be ready to contend for the middleweight ‘title. However, it remains to be seen whether the welterweight champion will carry out his plans, especially with other fighters like Joaquin Buckley warning him against the major move.

It is worth noting that his decision also stems from his ideology that he cannot go one-on-one against a friend. With him being a training partner and buddies with Islam Makhachev, ‘Remember the Name’ believes that the only move that makes sense for him is to go to the middleweight division. And the welterweight champion isn’t just all talk, as he also has a plan made for how he will beat Dricus Du Plessis.

Belal Muhammad reveals strategy to defeat Dricus Du Plessis

While Dricus Du Plessis is coming off a decisive decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312, Belal Muhammad is also coming off a welterweight title win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304. So, with his confidence at an all-time high, ‘Remember the Name’ believes he has the right strategy to dethrone the South African champion. Unlike other previous welterweights who fought with size at 185, Muhammad believes his style will translate effectively.

According to Belal Muhammad, his speed and technical ability will give him an advantage over ‘Stillknocks,’ who is known for his awkward but efficient striking. The welterweight champion explained his strategy in a social media post, outlining a round-by-round breakdown of how he sees the bout unfolding. He claims that he will control Du Plessis with takedowns, frustrate him with movement, and eventually submit him in the third round. He wrote, “He can’t hit me, he can’t take me down… He lets me under chin out of frustration then I put him to sleep… and new double champ.”

While Muhammad’s ambitions are bold, he is not the only UFC champion hoping to advance in search of a second belt. Ilia Topuria, fresh off his featherweight title win, has already set his sights on lightweight gold. With four consecutive lightweight championship defenses, Islam Makhachev has a stronger case to step up, but he too is apprehensive due to his relationship with Muhammad. Dricus Du Plessis has also called out light heavyweight king Alex Pereira, who has hinted at a bout with heavyweight champion Jon Jones. So, what do you think? Which division kingpin will get his dream fight? Let us know in the comments.