Israel Adesanya 'calls out' fans for underestimating Belal Muhammad ahead of UFC 315: 'I don't know if it's racism, but respect him'

Belal Muhammad | is the current welterweight champion. Photo: Instagram.

About to defend the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) for the first time this Saturday (10), in the main fight of the UFC 315 against Jack Della Maddalena, Belal Muhammad | remains one of the most unpopular figures in Ultimate. In this scenario, Israel adesanya was categorical in criticizing the portion of fans who insist on underestimating and ridiculing the Palestinian's skills.

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Israel adesanya is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC Espanol

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In a preview video about the pay-per-view published on its YouTube channel this Friday (9), the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.) was sincere in confessing to having already doubted Muhammad's abilities, but he also showed himself to be against the opinions of haters of the athlete.

“Respect Belal’s name — everybody has to respect it. I don’t know if it’s racism, because he’s Palestinian. I’m just saying that, like, the guy is a champion, but people, somehow — like, me included — ruled him out to fight Leon, but he shocked the world. People may not like him because he doesn’t finish the fight all the time, but you have to respect the guy’s name,” he said.

Israel adesanya defends Belal Muhammad |

"Put some respect on Belal's name — everyone has to. I don't know if it's racism, even, because he's Palestinian. I'm just saying, like, the guy is a champion, but people somehow — like, including me — counted him out against Leon, but he… pic.twitter.com/ylQhXquuxt

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 9, 2025

Adesanya believes Belal will be knocked out

Belal Muhammad | in face with Jack Della Maddalena. Photo: Reproduction/X @ufc

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Despite this, the Nigerian continues to see Muhammad as the underdog for Saturday's duel. According to him, Della Maddalena's skills in stand-up fighting will be enough to end the Palestinian's reign.

“I think they’ll both go at each other as soon as the fight starts, but the boxing should make the difference. A bit like Ilia (Topuria) Jack likes to corner his opponents against the fence and hurt them. He needs to defend himself from takedowns, but I think he’ll be able to read and defend himself well. Jack Della Maddalena by knockout,” concluded the fighter.