Belal Muhammad’s performance at UFC Vegas 118 baffled Ray Longo: “Why would you abandon what got you there?”

Belal Muhammad didn’t walk out of UFC Vegas 118 with a win, and longtime coach Ray Longo believes it was due to a bizarre strategy.

Muhammad entered the Meta Apex this past Saturday in hopes getting back in the win column for the first time since 2024. He shared the Octagon with rising contender Gabriel Bonfim. The former UFC Welterweight Champion couldn’t get much going, and he was peppered on the feet. Ultimately, “Remember The Name” was defeated via unanimous decision.

During the latest edition of the “Anik & Florian Podcast,” Longo vented about Muhammad’s game plan (via MMAJunkie).

“I thought he was unrecognizable,” Longo said.  “Why would you abandon what got you there? I was definitely confused during that fight. No? Was it me? It was almost like he was medicated. Like he was that calm where he was, it is catatonic?

“Is that the word I’m looking for where he didn’t look like he was totally present to me, and moving backwards, not pushing the pace at all. I don’t know. Put it this way: I expected something completely different out of him.”

Muhammad has now dropped three straight fights. In that span, he’s been defeated by Bonfim, Ian Machado Garry, and Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad’s most recent win was his welterweight title victory over Leon Edwards, who has been in a slump of his own.

In a statement post-UFC Vegas 118, Muhammad vowed to be back inside the Octagon. Some MMA fans are questioning whether or not that is a good idea for the soon-to-be 38-year-old. Time will tell if Muhammad can get back on the horse and snap his current skid.

Do you agree with Ray Longo’s take on why Belal Muhammad failed to achieve success at UFC Vegas 118, or has father time simply caught up to “Remember The Name?” Drop your opinion in the comments below.