‘Flipped me from a hater to a fan’: Fans react to Belal Muhammad’s UFC 315 loss

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Belal Muhammad | Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Belal Muhammad lost the welterweight title at UFC 315, but he might have earned a few new fans in the process.

This past Saturday, Muhammad made the first defense of his welterweight title, taking on Jack Della Maddalena in the main event. Unfortunately for “Remember the Name,” his first defense turned into his last one as Muhammad lost a hard-fought unanimous decision. Following his defeat, Muhammad didn’t dispute the loss or make excuses, issuing a simple statement via social media, saying he’s “been here before and I’ll be back.”

In the pre-fight buildup, Muhammad promised he would slug it out with Della Maddalena on the feet, and while he did shoot nine takedowns, the former welterweight champion largely did keep things standing, perhaps to his own detriment. But while Muhammad’s commitment to his striking game may have hurt his chances at winning on Saturday, his willingness to bang it out on the feet, and his reaction to the defeat, seem to have earned him a bit of credit with the fans.

Check out how the MMA Fighting community reacted to Muhammad’s loss and post-fight statement.

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DustinsWoifesDMs

Flipped me from a hater to a fan. Respect Belal. Thanks for one of the best fights I've ever seen.

Neilos Barross

Props to Belal, he was actively trying to hurt Jack & not just use his striking as a distraction as I've criticised him for previously, and showed an incredible chin/heart. Turns out striking so much with Jack & not pushing his grappling earlier was probably a big mistake but fans will remember his name for being more than just a boring fighter now I suppose. Jack looked amazing, clearly did a ton of work after beign taken down 7 times in less than 3 rounds by an aging Gilbert Burns

someguy234

I was not a fan of Belal at all but that performance might have changed my mind at least somewhat. When Strickland and Leon lost their belts, it felt like they lost casually without even giving it everything they had. I didn't feel that way about Belal. He laid it all out there, I respect that. He showed a really tough chin, and mental toughness and a warrior spirit. I won't shit on him anymore.

Kuch

"Remember the Loss."

Drhasch

It was a real bad idea to try show you got hands like Canelo and not go with your wrestling gameplan

Hespect617

A lot of people are rejoicing at Belal's loss. I think he fought a great fight, and showed his warrior spirit. Respect to both fighters.

However, something feels dirty about this. Mackachev (Ali?) thanking god for his loss? The UFC matching him up with the worst match-up in the division? Although, rightfully so - I want to see the best fight the best, and JDM earned it fair and square. But It feels as if Belal was set up by everyone. This could be a misread, but I get that impression. It's a cold world.

GirlCasual

I'm not a fan of his usual fighting style, but I've always felt like the fan-base has been highly unfair to Belal. Props to him for putting on a helluva fight last night, and mad respect for JDM for rising to the occasion and then some. Looking forward to the chaos that all this causes.

GirlCasual

I'm not a fan of his usual fighting style, but I've always felt like the fan-base has been highly unfair to Belal. Props to him for putting on a helluva fight last night, and mad respect for JDM for rising to the occasion and then some. Looking forward to the chaos that all this causes.

Clownfan

Classy response. Glad he isn't trying to claim it was somehow a robbery.

SexyFatGuy

This was a close fight. A good one too. My comment was originally stated by rbd85, but the two 48-47 cards- if Jack doesn't come back at the end of the 5th round, Belal wins this thing.

I had it 2-2 going into the final round.

Split4u

Glad to see Allah's plan is the same as mine, to not have to remember his name. Valiant effort, but it's never been personal, his skillset was always limited. I'm glad he chose the wrong game plan, that he didn't eek out another boring win and can at least get some respect from some fans on his way out.

JDM unlikely to be someone I remember either after Islam goes thru him. Hopefully new WW contenders beyond top 3 emerges soon, it is starting to get a bit light.

Saku'sMissingEar

6 year run came to an end. I don't like watching him fight but he earned respect, and him vs JDM was definitely entertaining. Best of luck to him on his rebound.

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