Fans Can’t Believe It – Belal Muhammad Books a Shocking Return Just One Week After a Tough UFC Loss
Belal Muhammad isn’t taking any time off. After back-to-back defeats that stunned even his biggest supporters, the former UFC welterweight champion is jumping right back into competition — and fans can’t stop talking about it.
Last weekend at UFC Qatar, Muhammad went three rounds against rising star Ian Machado Garry, losing in the co-main event. The loss marked a tough milestone: for the first time in his professional career, Muhammad has dropped two consecutive fights. It’s a steep fall considering he began 2025 as the reigning 170-pound champion.
But here’s where things get interesting. While most of the conversation online revolved around whether Garry’s win was enough to secure him a shot at the UFC title, it turns out the man he just defeated isn’t sitting on the sidelines. Instead, Belal Muhammad is already set to go for another belt — but in a completely different arena.
Belal Muhammad’s Surprising Return – And It’s Not in the Octagon
Only days after his defeat, Muhammad announced that he’ll face welterweight champion David Carr on December 20 at RAF 4 (Real American Freestyle). Yes, you read that right — it’s a wrestling match, not mixed martial arts.
Fans immediately swarmed social media with reactions ranging from disbelief to outright criticism. One comment bluntly stated, “This isn’t going to be close,” while another joked that “Carr might finish him in under a minute.” Many questioned the wisdom of taking on such a challenge so soon, with several suggesting the match felt more like a gimmick than a serious competition.
Some fans pointed to Muhammad’s recent struggles in the UFC, quipping that this might be “the only belt Belal touches anytime soon.” Another chimed in, “He couldn’t take down Ian Machado Garry — but David Carr will be a good matchup? Interesting take.” Others expressed genuine surprise, saying they never imagined this kind of crossover would happen at all.
Still, Muhammad’s attitude appears defiant and determined. In the days following his loss, he thanked fans for their support and admitted he has “work to do.” That honesty may have struck a chord with supporters who respect his willingness to keep pushing forward, even in the face of setbacks.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to swirl around Garry as well. After his big win, he found himself in a heated confrontation backstage with Khamzat Chimaev — a moment that further fueled debate about the UFC’s current pecking order at welterweight.
What’s Next for the UFC and RAF Events
RAF 4 isn’t the only stacked event on the calendar. The night before, on November 29, RAF 3 will take place at Chicago’s Wintrust Arena, bringing several UFC veterans back into the spotlight. Michael Chandler looks to bounce back from his loss to Paddy Pimblett when he faces former title challenger Chad Mendes. Longtime fan favorite Clay Guida and powerful welterweight striker Joaquin Buckley are also scheduled to compete. Adding a unique twist to the card, Bella Mir — daughter of UFC legend Frank Mir — will appear as well, continuing her family’s fighting legacy.
The back-to-back RAF events aim to bridge the world of traditional wrestling and MMA, giving both disciplines fresh platforms and drawing crossover attention from fans of each sport. But one question remains — can Belal Muhammad really turn things around so quickly after two consecutive UFC losses? Or will this rapid comeback end up damaging his legacy further?
This storyline cuts both ways: it’s either the mark of a warrior refusing to quit or a risky move driven by pride. Which side are you on? Should Belal Muhammad take this fight so soon after his losses, or would a break be the smarter choice? Share your thoughts — this one is sure to divide fans.