Belal Muhammad Faces Uphill Battle Following Second Consecutive Defeat to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Qatar.

DOHA, Qatar – Former UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad released his initial statement following a unanimous decision loss to surging contender Ian Machado Garry in the co-main event of UFC Qatar on Saturday night. The defeat marks the second consecutive setback for Muhammad, signaling a significant juncture in his professional career after a previously remarkable unbeaten streak.

The highly anticipated welterweight clash, held at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha, saw Machado Garry secure a dominant victory, with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in his favor. Two of the three official scorecards indicated a clean sweep for the Irishman, highlighting the challenges Muhammad faced in asserting his game plan against the undefeated rising star. The bout served as a pivotal moment for both fighters, with Muhammad aiming to rebound from his title loss and Machado Garry seeking to solidify his position among the division’s elite.

Following the fight, Muhammad, known as "Remember the Name," took to social media to share his immediate reflections. "We couldn’t get it done," Muhammad wrote, acknowledging the outcome. He expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you Doha for the memories. Thank you to my team and family and friends that are with me no matter what and Thank you to anyone that’s with me. Alhamdillah for everything I’m blessed to be here. We have work to do." The final phrase, "We have work to do," resonated as a declaration of resilience and a commitment to address the deficiencies identified in his recent performances.

Muhammad’s recent trajectory contrasts sharply with his previous form. Prior to his current two-fight skid, the American fighter had amassed an impressive unbeaten run that stretched over six years and included 10 victories and one no-contest. This formidable streak culminated in his capture of the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 304 in July 2024, where he defeated Leon Edwards in a hard-fought contest. The victory over Edwards, a highly respected champion, marked the pinnacle of Muhammad’s career, showcasing his relentless pressure, strong grappling, and improved striking. His ability to grind down opponents and dictate the pace of fights had become his trademark, earning him a reputation as one of the most durable and consistent fighters in the division.

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However, Muhammad’s reign as champion was short-lived. In his inaugural title defense at UFC 315 in May 2025, he faced Jack Della Maddalena in a bout that was widely lauded as one of the year’s best fights. Despite a spirited effort, Muhammad was defeated by Della Maddalena via unanimous decision, relinquishing the championship. That loss was significant, breaking his extensive unbeaten streak and forcing him back into the challenger’s pool. The subsequent loss to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Qatar now places Muhammad in an unfamiliar position, facing consecutive defeats for the first time in his professional career and necessitating a strategic reassessment.

Ian Machado Garry, conversely, leveraged the high-profile co-main event slot to continue his ascent in the welterweight division. The victory over a former champion like Muhammad marks a significant milestone for the Irishman, who now boasts a professional record of 10-1 inside the octagon. Known for his flashy striking, confident demeanor, and aggressive fighting style, Machado Garry has rapidly built a reputation as a formidable contender. His performance in Doha showcased his precision striking, footwork, and ability to manage distance effectively against a high-pressure opponent. The win is his second consecutive victory, building on a consistent run of form that has seen him defeat a series of established welterweights.

Machado Garry has openly expressed his ambitions for a shot at the 170-pound title, and defeating a former champion like Muhammad is expected to significantly bolster his claim. The welterweight division, currently headed by Leon Edwards (who reclaimed the title after Muhammad’s loss to Della Maddalena), is stacked with talent. Machado Garry’s recent performance and clear call-out position him firmly in the conversation for future high-stakes matchups, potentially against other top-ranked contenders as he inches closer to championship contention.

The UFC Qatar event itself provided a significant platform for showcasing mixed martial arts in the Middle East. Held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, the fight night drew considerable attention from local and international fans. The region has become an increasingly important market for the UFC, with events like this serving to expand the sport’s global footprint. The atmosphere at the Lusail Sports Arena was charged, reflecting the excitement surrounding a card featuring a mix of established veterans and emerging stars.

For Belal Muhammad, the path forward will require careful consideration. Recovering from two consecutive losses, especially after holding the championship, is a significant challenge in the highly competitive UFC landscape. Fighters at this level often face critical decisions regarding their training, strategy, and even potential stylistic adjustments. Historically, fighters who have dropped consecutive bouts at the championship level often need to string together multiple impressive victories to regain their standing and earn another title shot. Muhammad’s statement, "We have work to do," suggests a resolute mindset, indicating a commitment to introspection and improvement rather than resignation. His professional record, now standing at 23-5 (1 NC), still reflects a high level of achievement, but the immediate concern will be to regain momentum and demonstrate his continued capability to compete at the very top.

The welterweight division’s top five, including contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns, remains fiercely competitive. Machado Garry’s victory will undoubtedly see him climb further up the rankings, positioning him for a potential clash with one of these established names. For Muhammad, a matchup against a slightly lower-ranked opponent or a calculated risk against a top-10 fighter could be on the horizon as he seeks to rebuild his claim. The strategic implications of this fight extend beyond the immediate outcome, shaping the trajectory of two prominent welterweights in the UFC’s evolving landscape.