Belal Muhammad has made his stance clear ahead of UFC 328, and his prediction for the middleweight title fight leaves little room for doubt. The Palestinian fighter expects Khamzat Chimaev to dominate Sean Strickland.
The build-up carries added tension beyond the sporting rivalry. Muhammad, who has consistently voiced support for Palestine, has taken issue with Strickland’s past comments on the region during the Israel-Gaza war.
Chimaev, also a Muslim fighter, has publicly shown support for Palestine, adding another layer to a contest that was already charged.
Belal Muhammad backs Khamzat Chimaev to dominate and “break” Sean Strickland
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Muhammad did not hold back when discussing how he sees the fight unfolding.
“The thing I’m excited for is to see Chimaev smash him [Strickland] and walk through him,” the 37-year-old said.
He added: “I think that’s what it’s going to be. I think he’s going to be able to take him down, control him. And I’m hoping that, cut him open a little bit, let him bleed a little bit and then break him mentally and tap him out.”
The prediction reflects Chimaev’s established style, built on relentless pressure, and grappling control.
Strickland, known for his outspoken personality, has often leaned into controversy, which has only intensified the narrative heading into UFC 328.
Belal Muhammad says Nassourdine Imavov deserved shot over Sean Strickland
Muhammad also questioned the legitimacy of Strickland receiving the title opportunity in the first place, pointing instead to Nassourdine Imavov.
“Sucks for Imavov, you got to feel for him. I thought he earned a title shot. I thought that he was going to get the title shot, but I think the trash talk and the stupidity, and the era we live in now, where Strickland talked his way into that title shot,” he stated.
The rivalry between Strickland and Chimaev, built through heated public exchanges, has helped drive interest, and that narrative gained further traction after Strickland’s win over Anthony Hernandez.
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