TLDR
- Belal Muhammad made a controversial comment comparing his training with young fighters to “the Epstein files without the sex” at UFC Qatar media day
- The 37-year-old welterweight was explaining how he trains with younger fighters like 28-year-old Ignacio Bahamondes and his 17-year-old brother
- The comment referenced Jeffrey Epstein, the financier convicted of sex trafficking minors, and was widely criticized as tone-deaf and inappropriate
- Fans on social media called the remark “cringe” and compared Muhammad to other UFC fighters known for controversial statements
- Muhammad faces Ian Machado Garry this Saturday in Doha, Qatar, with both fighters looking to position themselves for a title shot
Belal Muhammad found himself at the center of controversy during UFC Qatar media day after making an unusual comparison while discussing his training camp. The 37-year-old welterweight referenced Jeffrey Epstein while explaining how he stays competitive by training with younger fighters.
Muhammad was asked about keeping up with younger talent in the welterweight division. He mentioned training with fighters like Ignacio Bahamondes, 28, and Bahamondes’ 17-year-old brother. “It feels like the Epstein files without the sex,” Muhammad said. “I’m getting their powers through sparring and training.”
The comment referenced Jeffrey Epstein, the financier convicted of sex trafficking minors. The comparison was immediately criticized on social media as inappropriate and tone-deaf.
Fans reacted quickly to video clips of the press conference shared on social media. One user wrote that Muhammad deserved “the champion of cringe” belt. Another said the comment was worse than anything said by UFC fighters Israel Adesanya or Henry Cejudo, who are known for provocative statements.
Fight Stakes Remain High
The controversy comes ahead of Muhammad’s co-main event fight against Ian Machado Garry this Saturday in Doha, Qatar. The matchup is important for both fighters in the welterweight division.
Muhammad is coming off his first loss in a long winning streak. He lost his title shot against Jack Della Maddalena. A win against Garry would help Muhammad get back into championship contention.
Ian Machado Garry has stated his intentions clearly. “When I knock out Belal this weekend, I’m the number one contender,” he said. Garry recently lost to Shavkat Rakhmonov but believes a win over Muhammad will earn him a title shot.
Questions About Title Picture
The welterweight division is currently led by champion Islam Makhachev, who won the title at UFC 322. Former champion Kamaru Usman recently questioned whether either Muhammad or Garry would get a title shot with a win.
Usman noted that Garry just lost to Rakhmonov. He also questioned Muhammad’s past reluctance to challenge Makhachev, who is Muhammad’s training partner. “Now you want to challenge the man you didn’t want to challenge for the title?” Usman said on his podcast.
Muhammad defended his position at media day. “Nothing was given to me easy, and I don’t expect anything to be given to me, so I gotta take it,” he said. He emphasized his difficult journey in the sport.
Muhammad explained his training approach before the controversial comment. “I love training every day with these guys,” he said. “I’m learning so much from these guys. The energy they bring, it makes me feel younger.”
Garry has positioned himself as part of a new generation of welterweights. He has argued that champion Makhachev should fight fresh contenders like himself. Garry believes the division should move away from older fighters.
The comment spread quickly across social media platforms. Fans expressed confusion about why Muhammad would use such a serious subject for a fight promotion analogy. Many questioned his judgment and decision-making.
Some fans said they would now root for Garry because of Muhammad’s comment. Others suggested Muhammad might have CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The general reaction was one of bewilderment and criticism.
It remains unclear if the comment will affect Muhammad’s reputation or marketability long-term. The immediate impact was negative publicity during fight week. The focus now shifts to Saturday night’s fight in Qatar.
Both fighters have made strong statements heading into the bout. The winner will have a strong case for moving up in the welterweight rankings. The loser will need to rebuild their path to a title shot.
