Belal Muhammad has long been friends with fellow Chicago native and WWE superstar CM Punk. The UFC standout and the pro wrestling icon have consistently shown public support for one another.
Recently, CM Punk shared an inspirational message for his friend and a stern warning for Muhammad’s UFC 315 opponent, Jack Della Maddalena. Muhammad quickly reacted to the message on social media.
Belal Muhammad Reacts to CM Punk’s Message for Him
The ESPN MMA Instagram account posted a video featuring CM Punk, a WWE legend who also had a brief run in the UFC. In the clip, CM Punk praised Muhammad, born in Chicago to Palestinian immigrant parents.
In a past WWE in-ring promo, CM Punk said, “To my good friend, my teammate, my brother — Belal Muhammad. He won the UFC welterweight title. It’s been a busy week. I didn’t forget.” The video then cuts to another segment of CM Punk backing the UFC welterweight champion.
Punk continued: “Belal Muhammad is the welterweight champion of the UFC. He is the best 170-pound fighter on the planet today … You cannot beat Belal Muhammad. He’s too fast. He’s too pretty. He’s got too much money. The ‘B’ in Belal stands for billions. And we’re coming for more gold.”
He addressed Muhammad’s upcoming opponent: “‘JDM,’ Jack, I’m talking to you. You’re in for a hell of a fight, whether it be five rounds or Belal starches you in one. At the end of the night, the man’s hand will be raised. And the ‘Prince of Palestine,’ my fellow ‘King of Chicago’ — Belal Muhammad — will walk out of Montreal as still your UFC undisputed welterweight champion of the world.”
Muhammad showed appreciation for the message in the comments of the Instagram post, replying with a two-word salute: “My brother.”
Punk is currently an active member of the WWE roster. Meanwhile, Muhammad will defend his UFC welterweight title against Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC 315 on May 10 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
Muhammad has won 10 of his last 11 fights, with the only non-victory being ruled a no contest. He’s won 24 career fights and hasn’t lost since a decision defeat to Geoff Neal in January 2019.
Muhammad faces Della Maddalena, who enters the bout riding a 17-fight win streak and is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the welterweight division. Della Maddalena lost his first two fights — both in 2016 — and hasn’t lost one since.