Belal Muhammad, a former UFC welterweight titleholder, remains unyielding in his disapproval of Sean Strickland’s recent statements. Strickland, the reigning two-time UFC middleweight champion, crossed a line with several remarks directed at the Muslim community during the build-up to UFC 328, also making controversial comments about fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov.
Following his title win against Chimaev, Strickland offered an apology to his fans and Chimaev’s team, attributing his trash talk to the need for generating hype and admitting he went “too fu**ing hard” in promoting the bout. While Chimaev appears to have accepted the apology, not all fighters share the same sentiment.
Belal Muhammad Promises Future Retribution
Belal Muhammad is not convinced by Sean Strickland’s apologies or his attempt to portray himself as a peacemaker. Muhammad asserts that certain topics, such as religion and family, should be off-limits for pre-fight banter. In a recent video, Muhammad issued a warning to Strickland, stating:
“Even though the clown apologized, saying he apologized to his Muslim fans because he was just promoting a fight, that’s not promoting a fight when you’re talking about religion. When you talk about religion, talk about family, that hits different. I hope to one day step in the cage with that clown before it’s all said and done and just make him bleed.”
Nassourdine Imavov Echoes Belal Muhammad’s Sentiments
Nassourdine Imavov, a likely future challenger for Strickland’s title, also expressed his strong disapproval following Strickland’s UFC 328 victory. Imavov took to X, vowing to “knock out” Strickland.
“I’m gonna put your lights out @SStricklandMMA.”
Imavov shares Belal Muhammad’s perspective on Strickland’s actions. In a subsequent post on X, “The Sniper” further elaborated:
“They say I take things too personally. Damn right. Religion, family, nation… these aren’t marketing to me. Every insult comes with a price. You’ll pay for it! NO HAPPY ENDING @SStricklandMMA.”
