Aljamain Sterling Sends Strong Message to Islam Makhachev for Banking on Belal Muhammad’s Downfall

Just when it seemed that the welterweight title picture couldn’t get much uglier, Aljamain Sterling flung a grenade into the room. The former bantamweight champion didn’t mince words in his recent Instagram video, criticizing Islam Makhachev for what he perceives as a cold and calculating move in the aftermath of Belal Muhammad‘s defeat. In an MMA world where brotherhood and loyalty are frequently worn as armor, ‘AlJo’ feels Makhachev has betrayed his own—showing fans what lies beneath.

Sterling pounced on Makhachev’s seemingly harmless tweet: “Time to become a double champion #inshaAllah Let’s go.” For most, it appeared like a champion was setting his next aim. But to Sterling, this was a betrayal. “Islam Makhachev, coming out of the woodworks, putting out his tweets, telling him to keep his belt warm… I have a couple issues with this,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with the aspirations, but Belal and Islam are supposed to be boys.” That is the line that changes everything.

Because, for someone who has preached that friends should never fight, Islam Makhachev‘s timing, just moments after Belal Muhammad’s defeat, raises more questions than answers. The true sting for Aljamain Sterling was not the callout itself, but the silence where there should’ve been some sense of worry instead. “If I lose, just lost, the wound’s still open… and you go right to the public, calling out the… You don’t even say anything about me, hope I’m okay, whatever,” he said, clearly annoyed.

“It’s just the way the tweet read; it made it come off like they weren’t really friends like that. And maybe they’re not.” That final word struck like a body shot—unexpected, harsh, and purposeful. ‘Funk Master’ wasn’t simply venting; he was pulling the curtain back on a relationship that fans have long admired for its loyalty and unshakable respect.

To emphasize his argument, Aljamain Sterling painted a scenario in which the roles were reversed. “If the shoe was on the other foot and Belal did that to Islam, I guarantee you that whole crew would be looking at that guy sideways… the little emoji eye that goes up, the 50 Cent ‘get the strap.'” He chuckled, but the message was really serious. Sterling believes Islam Makhachev violated an unstated code, and no amount of championship ambition can explain the timing or tone. Especially not when you’ve established your reputation on brotherhood and honor.

In the world of MMA, everyone strives for greatness. But, according to Aljamain Sterling, how you chase it is what matters. With Islam Makhachev possibly facing Jack Della Maddalena pretty soon, the UFC might be on the cusp of a new double champion. However, the odds are that on the path to double champ glory, the Dagestani might’ve lost the respect of many. However, that is not stopping him from talking smack against the current champion.

Islam Makhachev issues a warning against Jack Della Maddalena

Before Aljamain Sterling could comment on Islam Makhachev’s intentions, the lightweight champion had already made his move. Makhachev wasted no time staking his claim following UFC 315, when Belal Muhammad’s reign was ended by Jack Della Maddalena. The instant the belt changed hands, the Dagestani delivered a cold, deliberate message. No hesitancy, no kind words, simply a fierce tweet that read like a declaration of war:

“You are not Volk. I’ll show you a different level”. Keep my belt clean.” The callout was smooth, bold, and straightforward. Makhachev didn’t have to wait; he was already on his way. Jack Della Maddalena, fresh from his championship victory, had poked the bear with his own statement: “I’m gonna get him back for Volk.” A shout-out to his fellow Australian, Alexander Volkanovski, who had twice fallen short against Islam Makhachev.

But the Dagestani phenom was not amused. He cut through the emotions like a scalpel, reminding JDM that this wasn’t about vengeance or national pride, but about levels instead. Despite the fact that the challenge’s excitement lit up the MMA world, not everyone was clapping. Aljamain Sterling and others saw through the timing and tone. To them, Islam Makhachev’s tweet was more than simply ambition; it was opportunism.

Because, while the lightweight champion was out making bold claims, his so-called brother-in-arms, Belal Muhammad, was still bleeding from a battle he had recently lost. In that perspective, the warning to JDM came across differently. It wasn’t just a power move — it was, to some, a betrayal. What do you think? Do you agree with Sterling’s belief? Let us know in the comments.

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