Belal Muhammad and Ian Garry are set to clash this weekend on November 22, 2025, at the Ali Bin Hamad al-Attiyah Arena in Al Rayyan, Qatar, as part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Qatar event. This matchup between two welterweight contenders promises to be an intriguing battle, especially with Muhammad recently facing setbacks in his career.
Muhammad, once the undisputed champion, saw his title reign come to an abrupt end with a loss to Jack Della Maddalena six months ago. Following this defeat, which was compounded by Della Maddalena’s subsequent domination by Islam Makhachev, Muhammad finds himself in a challenging position as he seeks to reclaim his spot among the elite fighters in the division. While his path back to the championship remains unclear, a victory over Garry could be the catalyst he needs to re-establish himself.
On the other hand, Ian Garry has been making waves in the welterweight class, showcasing his talent through impressive victories over notable opponents like Carlos Prates and Michael Page. Even in his competitive loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Garry proved he is a formidable contender in the division. At just 28 years old, he is well-positioned to rise higher in the ranks.
In terms of their fighting styles, Muhammad is known for his strategic approach, blending effective wrestling with a boxing background that includes powerful lead leg kicks. To secure a win, he needs to close the distance against Garry, who enjoys a height and reach advantage and excels at striking from long range. Relentless pressure and timely takedowns will be crucial for Muhammad to disrupt Garry’s rhythm and mitigate the latter’s striking prowess.
Conversely, Garry is adept at maintaining distance and utilizing his reach to pick apart opponents. He must remain vigilant against Muhammad’s takedown threat while employing his footwork to evade exchanges. Rapid kicks and counters will be vital for Garry, ensuring he continues to score points without allowing Muhammad to establish control.
The prediction for this matchup leans towards Garry, primarily due to his striking accuracy and takedown defense. While Muhammad’s toughness and wrestling can certainly create a challenging environment, Garry’s skill set and ability to keep the fight on his terms may ultimately lead him to victory by decision. Both fighters are expected to adapt mid-fight, adding an element of excitement and strategy to this already intriguing matchup.