The rivalry between UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad and grappling sensation Craig Jones continues to escalate after Jones posted a video mocking Muhammad by repeatedly punching a photo of the champion. Muhammad responded with a stern warning, indicating he would treat Jones similarly to how Khabib Nurmagomedov handled Dillon Danis after the infamous UFC 229 incident.
“I’m gonna do you like Khabib did Danis after the fight,” Muhammad declared, referencing the post-fight confrontation that saw Nurmagomedov leap over the cage to confront Danis.
What Belal Muhammad failed to realize is that this is a viral promotion strategy tied to a brand Craig Jones works with. StreetX has previously ‘planted’ other viral videos including that video of Chito Vera allegedly chasing someone off from his car as well as a viral video of a flying triangle at a gym. Might be time for Muhammad to stop wearing glasses indoors because Jones played him like a fiddle.
Jones quickly fired back on social media, sarcastically commenting that Muhammad would “jump the fence and decision me,” a jab at Muhammad’s MMA style that critics often describe as lacking finishing power. Jones further amplified the tension by sharing a fan comment referencing a recent incident where UFC security failed to recognize Muhammad, preventing him from entering the octagon.
The exchange has divided fans across social media platforms. Some supporters of Muhammad point out that he defeated Sean Brady, who previously beat Jones in a BJJ match, suggesting Muhammad would handle Jones with ease in a potential confrontation. Others highlight Muhammad’s technical improvements, including his TKO victory over Sean Brady.
Jones’ supporters counter that the grappling specialist would have a significant advantage in any submission-based contest, with several claiming Muhammad lacks finishing ability and originality in his approach.
The back-and-forth has taken several personal turns, with comments about Muhammad’s heritage and Jones’ character entering the discourse. Some fans questioned Jones’ credentials outside grappling competitions, suggesting he’s overstepping by challenging an established UFC champion. Jones is currently coaching Jack Della Maddalena for his UFC 315 clash with Belal Muhammad.
Neither athlete has indicated any formal plans to compete against each other, but the verbal sparring continues to entertain and divide fans across both disciplines.
