In a difficult phase since losing the welterweight belt (up to 77,1 kg) to Jack Della Maddalena , Belal Muhammad will have a different challenge next Saturday (6). After years of measuring strength against the main references of the division, the Palestinian will have to defend the fifth position in the ranking against Gabriel Marretinha , younger and in full ascension. However, before entering the most famous octagon in the world once again, the fighter made sure to make it clear that the sequence of setbacks will come to an end during the pre-event press conference last Wednesday (3).
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Despite acknowledging the Brazilian's skills and understanding the magnitude of the obstacle to overcome in stopping Marretinha's race for the belt, he made it clear that this represents a problem that Gabriel will not be able to solve.
“He’s a good fighter, he’s on a good run right now. A young, ambitious guy who wants to take my place. He just picked the wrong guy to do it. I just want to show the world that I’m still the best. To remind people who I am, to remind myself who I am. I think I’m the best person, the best fighter in the world, but I need to go out there, raise my hand and prove it,” he stated.
“I need to know the world, show myself how good I am.”
Belal Muhammad ( @bullyb170 ) plans to put on a dominant performance against Gabriel Bonfim at #UFCVegas118
Fight by Fight Preview ➡️ https://t.co/J92gghFs4K pic.twitter.com/dEYDVfGUPp
— UFC News (@UFCNews) June 4, 2026
Gabriel Marretinha is on the rise.
Marretinha celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Since his loss to Nicolas Dalby in November 2023, Marretinha has been on a four-fight winning streak, including great performances against Khaos Williams and Randy Brown . Currently ranked eleventh in the division, he could jump ahead and reach the top 5 if he adds the name of the former champion to his record.
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