“Haha, can’t believe you just asked, ‘Who’s the 170 champ?” UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis laughed as he called out Demetrious Johnson this week when the former flyweight king momentarily forgot the name of the reigning welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad. For someone who goes by the moniker ‘Remember the Name,’ Muhammad ironically struggles to get the recognition he deserves.

At UFC 304 in Manchester, he etched his name in history by dethroning hometown favorite Leon Edwards to become the first Palestinian-origin fighter to capture UFC gold. Yet, despite his monumental achievement, doubts linger over his legitimacy as champion, with many believing his biggest test is still ahead—none other than the undefeated Kazakh powerhouse, Shavkat Rakhmonov. A foot infection forced Muhammad to withdraw from his title defense against Rakhmonov at UFC 310, allowing Ian Garry to step in as a late replacement. Now, two months removed from Garry’s clash with Rakhmonov, speculation is mounting over the future of the welterweight division. Could a seismic shift at the top be imminent? Let’s break down what lies ahead.

Upcoming Title Fight:Belal Muhammad vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov

“Shavkat Rakhmonov… that man gives me chills.” 😅 Those were the words of UFC broadcaster Laura Sanko, describing the undefeated welterweight force, Shavkat Rakhmonov—a fighter boasting a flawless 19-0 record, with every victory coming via stoppage. Many regard ‘Nomad’ a true finishing machine, as the biggest threat to reigning welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

Despite holding the belt, ‘Remember the Name’ continues to face criticism from fans and analysts for his calculated, grinding style, often labeled as “boring.” Over his nine-year UFC career, spanning 19 fights, he has managed just five finishes, with more than 75% of his wins coming via decision. His lack of highlight-reel knockouts or submissions even sparked backlash when he was granted a title shot.

However, Belal Muhammad‘s coach, Jacob Castro, has a strong rebuttal for the critics:
“Unfortunately, the MMA community has made Belal one of the most disliked fighters—or they label him ‘boring.’ But Belal is only boring to people who don’t understand or have a high fight IQ. He’s a high-IQ fighter and a relentless pressure fighter. It’s not like he’s sitting back trying to snipe; he’s always coming forward.”

Still, many fans and pundits remain skeptical. The general consensus leans toward Shavkat Rakhmonov over Belal Muhammad, praising his well-rounded skills, killer instinct, and ability to finish fights. However, his showdown against Ian Garry at UFC 310 last year ended with a decision victory, revealing vulnerabilities in his game. Garry pushed him harder than expected, exposing cracks in ‘Nomad’s’ seemingly untouchable aura. While he remains a dominant force, his invincibility is no longer unquestioned.

Another title fight prediction: Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Joaquin Buckley

As the MMA world fixates on the looming showdown between Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov, another contender has quietly emerged in the welterweight title conversation—Missouri native Joaquin Buckley. A lifelong middleweight (185 lbs), ‘New Mansa’ initially built his career in the division but struggled with consistency. Over the span of nine fights at 185 lbs, he suffered four losses, prompting a major career reevaluation after his defeat to Chris Curtis at UFC 282.

Looking back on that pivotal moment, Joaquin Buckley acknowledged,
“Change is necessary. You can’t keep doing the same things. I believe you always have to grow and put yourself in a position to improve.” That decision proved to be a game-changer. Since making the move to welterweight (170 lbs), Buckley has been nothing short of dominant, racking up a six-fight win streak, with four finishes to his name. His resurgence has positioned him as a legitimate threat to Shavkat Rakhmonov, should the Kazakh standout claim the title.

‘New Mansa’s’ latest performance at UFC Tampa further cemented his status as a dangerous contender. Showcasing his devastating striking ability, he left Colby Covington battered and bloodied—a skill set that could spell trouble for the grappling-heavy ‘Nomad’ if the two ever cross paths. In a potential clash between Buckley and Shavkat Rakhmonov, the fight may come down to who dictates the pace first. But with Kazakh sensation’s elite fight IQ and relentless dominance, prying the title away from him—if he secures it—will be an uphill battle for anyone in the division.

What are your thoughts on our prediction? Do you agree with the current state of the UFC’s welterweight division, or do you see things playing out differently? Share your take in the comments!