Belal Muhammad Challenges Demetrious Johnson to a ‘Pick Off’ Ahead of UFC 306: Who Will Make a Public Apology?
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is not holding back when it comes to his critiques of former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson’s MMA analysis. Since capturing the UFC welterweight title at UFC 304, where he defeated Leon Edwards by unanimous decision, Muhammad has been vocal on social media, addressing his critics head-on.
The tension between Muhammad and Johnson began when Johnson, an all-time UFC great, picked Edwards to win against Muhammad before UFC 304. In addition to the prediction, Johnson mocked Muhammad’s unconventional boxing technique. However, Muhammad’s performance in the Octagon silenced many doubters, as his unorthodox style proved effective against Edwards.
Muhammad hasn’t forgotten Johnson’s pre-fight analysis and recently took to social media to address both Johnson and former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, critiquing their takes on his fighting abilities. Despite the jabs, Johnson has remained composed and defended his opinions in a recent podcast appearance.
In an effort to settle their differences, Muhammad proposed a unique challenge. In a recent tweet, he called out Demetrious Johnson for a “Pick Off,” where both fighters would make predictions for the upcoming UFC 306 card. The stakes? The loser must issue a public apology.
“I didn’t say you suck at fighting; I said you suck at analyzing and picking fights,” Muhammad tweeted. “I challenge you to a pick off for the Sphere card. We pick all the fights, and the loser makes a public apology.”
As of now, Johnson has yet to respond to Muhammad’s proposition, leaving fans eager to see if this lighthearted competition will take place before UFC 306.
Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is known for his dominant reign as the inaugural UFC flyweight champion. His deep knowledge of the sport has made him a prominent figure in the MMA world, not only as a competitor but also as a commentator and analyst.
Belal Muhammad, on the other hand, has been unbeaten since 2019, and his victory over Leon Edwards cemented his status as one of the top fighters in the welterweight division. Muhammad is expected to defend his title soon, with rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov being a likely contender. However, Kamaru Usman’s name has also been floated, following some online banter between the two.
It remains to be seen whether Demetrious Johnson will accept Belal Muhammad’s challenge for the pick-off ahead of UFC 306, which takes place on September 14 in Las Vegas. Regardless, Muhammad’s playful but pointed challenge has already stirred interest among fans, who are curious to see if this unique rivalry will unfold further.
As the UFC world gears up for UFC 306, the brewing tension between Belal Muhammad and Demetrious Johnson adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming event. Whether or not the ‘Pick Off’ happens, Muhammad has made it clear that he’s not backing down from defending his title—and his reputation. Stay tuned to see how this rivalry plays out, and whether Johnson will take up Muhammad’s challenge to settle their dispute in an unusual but entertaining way.
