In the latest chapter of promotional antics, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu star Craig Jones has taken an unusual approach to getting under UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad’s skin by sharing an AI-generated voice note mimicking Khabib Nurmagomedov.
The voice message, which has quickly circulated through social media channels, features an artificial recreation of the former lightweight champion’s distinctive voice and speech pattern, seemingly criticizing Muhammad.
“I am so sorry about this guy, brother. He talk very stupid. He sneaky,” the AI-generated “Khabib” voice states in the message. “This guy come to gym with one eye and then never leave, brother. Why he no go home? He’s crazy.”
The fabricated message continues with additional jabs: “He no want to fight with Islam, so pretend to be our friend. Weird guy. Every day, Dana cry. It make his heart hurt, brother. Poor UFC, brother.”
This creative trolling comes amid rising tensions between Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena’s camp. Della Maddalena has been training extensively with Jones to prepare for Muhammad’s wrestling-heavy approach ahead of their anticipated championship bout.
Muhammad recently dismissed these preparations in comments released by UFC on TNT. “They’re gonna see the best fighter in the UFC. They’re gonna see the most dominant fighter in the UFC,” Muhammad stated confidently. “I’m gonna go in there, I’m gonna outbox him. I’m gonna make sure that he knows that there’s levels to this boxing and that he knows what Canelo hands means.”
The champion further suggested that Della Maddalena’s work with Jones would ultimately prove ineffective. “And then he’s gonna have to sit there and think of a plan B. There isn’t be no plan B,” Muhammad continued. “He’s gonna have to pull guard and hope that some of that Craig Jones butt scooting will help him, but it’s not. I’m gonna break him. I’m gonna fold them. He’s gonna go down in three.”
Jones, known for his grappling expertise and sometimes playful approach to promotion, appears to be adding an extra dimension to the psychological warfare between the camps.
The upcoming bout between Muhammad and Della Maddalena represents a classic striker versus grappler matchup. While Muhammad has built his reputation on relentless pressure and wrestling control, Della Maddalena brings devastating striking power to the contest.
This latest creative jab from Jones demonstrates how the mental game extends beyond just the MMA stars themselves to include their entire training camps.
