UFC welterweight contenders Kevin Holland and Belal Muhammad recently engaged in a heated social media exchange sparked by Holland`s critical remarks.
Ahead of his upcoming fight against Vicente Luque at UFC 316, Holland spoke to the media and addressed Belal Muhammad, who recently lost his welterweight title to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315. That defeat ended Muhammad`s significant win streak.
Kevin Holland Criticizes Belal Muhammad, Calls Him `Clown`
During the UFC 316 media day press conference, Holland was asked about Muhammad`s recent title loss.
“Dricus du Plessis is a better champ to watch than Belal,” Holland stated. “So it was pretty cool to see Belal lose the belt. I thought Belal was going to lose the belt, regardless [of Maddalena].” Holland also claimed he predicted a long time ago that Islam Makhachev would be the one to take the belt from him.
Muhammad, still recovering from his loss, did not appreciate Holland`s comments.
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), Muhammad fired back: “It’s always the ones that’ll never touch gold that have the most to say. Doesn’t this bum lose every other fight he’s in?”
Holland saw Muhammad`s tweet and took to Instagram, posing a question to his followers: “If you haven’t defended the belt, did you really get a f—– belt?”
Muhammad was quick with a retort on X: “If you fight every month and lose every month are you the most active fighter or the most active loser?”
Holland seemingly had the final word on X, posting: “You’re only as good as your last fight!! [LAUGHS],” and adding a jab about Muhammad`s striking: “But nah good one just wished you would of did better with those canelo hands [CLOWN].”
A strong performance from Holland at UFC 316 could potentially lead to a future matchup with Muhammad. However, Muhammad is also reportedly being linked to a fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov later this year as he seeks another title opportunity.
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev Potential Title Fight
In related news, current UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena may defend his title against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later this year. Reports suggest Makhachev could vacate his lightweight belt at UFC 317 to move up in weight.
This potential champion vs. champion clash could happen later in the year, possibly in Australia or Abu Dhabi. While Della Maddalena is keen on Australia, Makhachev`s team is reportedly less enthusiastic about that location.
Gareth Pendleton