Belal Muhammad Says Mike Malott Fight 'Makes Sense'

Belal Muhammad says a fight against Mike Malott for his next outing would make sense, opening the door to a matchup against the surging Canadian welterweight.

"The fight definitely makes sense," Muhammad said. "You know we want to fight [Kamaru] Usman, but I'm not gonna sit" and wait around while the division moves without him.

Muhammad has not fought since dropping a decision to Gabriel Bonfim in June, a loss that made it three straight defeats for the former welterweight champion. Despite the skid, Muhammad remains one of the top 10 ranked welterweights in the UFC, which is exactly why a fight with Malott carries real weight on both sides of the matchmaking ledger.

Why Belal Muhammad vs. Mike Malott Makes Sense Right Now

Malott enters the conversation as one of the division's hottest names, and a bout with Muhammad would be the biggest step up in competition of his career. For Muhammad, Malott represents a chance to get back in the win column against an opponent with genuine buzz behind him, rather than fighting for name value alone. Muhammad made clear his priority is still a fight with former champion Kamaru Usman, but he is not willing to wait on the sidelines for that fight to materialize.

A matchup between the two has also been floated for Toronto in January, which would put a red-hot Malott in front of a home crowd against a former champion looking to snap a three-fight losing streak.

Betting Angle

Muhammad's three-fight skid complicates how sportsbooks and bettors will frame this fight if it comes together. He is still a former undisputed welterweight champion with a long resume against ranked competition, but back-to-back-to-back losses, capped by the Bonfim decision, will keep oddsmakers from installing him as a heavy favorite regardless of who is across the cage. Malott's recent form and rising profile in the welterweight division give him a legitimate case for drawing real betting support if the fight is finalized, and bettors will want to watch how the line moves once a date and location are confirmed.

For now, nothing is official. Muhammad has said he is open to the fight, but the UFC has not announced a bout agreement, date or venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Belal Muhammad vs. Mike Malott official?

No. Belal Muhammad said a fight against Mike Malott 'makes sense' for his next bout, but the UFC has not announced an official matchup, date or venue.

What is Belal Muhammad's current UFC record and ranking?

Belal Muhammad is a former UFC welterweight champion who has lost three straight fights, most recently a decision to Gabriel Bonfim in June, but he remains ranked among the top 10 welterweights in the UFC.

Who does Belal Muhammad really want to fight next?

Belal Muhammad said his priority is a fight against former champion Kamaru Usman, but he indicated he does not want to wait around for that fight while a matchup with Mike Malott is available.