A new rivalry has erupted in the UFC welterweight division after Khamzat Chimaev ignited a fiery feud with champion Belal Muhammad, mocking him as a “pony” just hours after UFC President Dana White promised Chimaev a shot at the 170-pound title. The Chechen-born fighter’s provocative jibe has set social media ablaze, escalating tensions between two of the division’s most formidable contenders and setting the stage for a potential blockbuster showdown.

Chimaev’s “Pony” Jibe Sparks Outrage

The drama unfolded on April 29, 2025, during a post-fight press conference following Chimaev’s dominant first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 316 in Abu Dhabi. Earlier that day, Dana White had confirmed to ESPN that Chimaev (15-0, 7 KOs), who has been campaigning for a title shot across multiple divisions, would get the next crack at Belal Muhammad’s welterweight belt, with the fight tentatively scheduled for UFC 319 on December 6, 2025, in Las Vegas. “Khamzat’s earned it—he’s a problem for anyone at 170 or 185,” White said. “He’s fighting Belal next, and it’s going to be a banger.”

Chimaev, 29, wasted no time capitalizing on the announcement, taking a direct shot at Muhammad during the press conference. “Belal is a pony, not a champion,” Chimaev sneered, his thick accent cutting through the room. “He’s slow, he’s boring, and he’s scared to fight real men. I’ll ride that pony back to the stable when I take his belt!” The comment, a clear reference to Muhammad’s grappling-heavy style and perceived lack of finishing power, drew gasps from the crowd and quickly went viral on social media.

A Rivalry Born from Disrespect

Belal Muhammad (24-3, 5 KOs), who won the welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards via unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July 2024, has yet to defend the belt due to a minor hand injury sustained during training in early 2025. The 36-year-old Chicago native has been a polarizing champion, with critics often pointing to his decision-heavy wins—nine of his last ten victories have gone the distance—despite his 10-fight unbeaten streak. Chimaev’s “pony” jibe appears to be a calculated attempt to get under Muhammad’s skin, playing on the narrative that Muhammad lacks the killer instinct of a true champion.

Muhammad fired back almost immediately on X, posting at 3:00 PM +07, “Khamzat calls me a pony? Let’s see how this ‘pony’ bucks you off in December. Keep running your mouth—I’ll shut it for you.” The response ignited a firestorm of reactions, with fans flooding social media to take sides. The hashtag #ChimaevVsMuhammad trended worldwide, with one user writing, “Chimaev calling Belal a pony is savage—this fight just got personal!” Another countered, “Belal’s going to wrestle Khamzat into next week—keep sleeping on the champ!”

The MMA Community Weighs In

The beef has drawn reactions from fighters across the UFC roster. Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who lost to Chimaev via majority decision at UFC 294 in October 2023, sided with Muhammad during an interview with MMA Fighting. “Belal’s a grinder—he doesn’t get the respect he deserves,” Usman, 37, said. “Khamzat’s trying to play mind games, but Belal’s been through worse. I think he’ll frustrate Khamzat and keep that belt.”

Colby Covington, another welterweight contender who has a history of trash-talking Muhammad, took Chimaev’s side on his podcast, Chaos Cast. “Khamzat’s right—Belal’s a pony, not a stallion,” Covington, 36, laughed. “Khamzat’s going to maul him. This fight won’t even go three rounds.” Meanwhile, lightweight star Justin Gaethje, speaking on X, predicted a war: “Belal’s tougher than people think, but Khamzat’s a beast. This is going to be a banger!”

What’s Next for Chimaev and Muhammad?

The stage is set for a high-stakes showdown at UFC 319 on December 6, 2025, in Las Vegas, with Chimaev looking to extend his unbeaten streak and claim his first UFC title. The Chechen fighter has been a force since joining the UFC in 2020, with 7 of his 8 UFC wins coming by finish, including a viral 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert in 2020. His most recent win over Whittaker showcased his elite grappling and striking, making him a formidable challenge for any welterweight.

Muhammad, however, has proven doubters wrong time and again, using his wrestling and relentless pace to outwork opponents like Edwards, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady. A win over Chimaev would solidify his legacy as one of the division’s best, while a loss could open the door for other contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov or Jack Della Maddalena to vie for the belt.

As the countdown to December begins, Chimaev’s “pony” jibe has added a personal edge to what was already a highly anticipated matchup. With both fighters now trading barbs, the welterweight division is heating up, and fans can’t wait to see who will have the last laugh in the octagon.