Betting tips from AI for Islam Makhachev vs Belal Muhammad, 31 December 2025.

Islam Makhachev arrives as the cleaner, more consistent fighter — capped by MMA Fighting’s 2025 Fighter of the Year honor — and oddsmakers have made him a heavy favorite at 1.23, while Belal Muhammad is listed at 4.10.

Muhammad’s recent foot infection and a disrupted camp undercut his explosiveness and timing; his knockout promise is real but difficult to execute against Makhachev’s elite sambo and wrestling. Expect Makhachev to dictate distance, secure takedowns and grind a decision or a late finish. For a $1 staking strategy seeking the highest probability of profit, back Islam to win.

The highly anticipated superfight between Islam Makhachev and Belal Muhammad is set to electrify the MMA world. Makhachev, fresh off being named MMA Fighting's 2025 Fighter of the Year, enters this bout as a dominant force, widely praised for his 'grappling wizardry' that has overwhelmed opponents. Bookmakers agree, installing him as a hefty favorite at 1.23, a testament to his seemingly unstoppable run.

Muhammad, a formidable welterweight champion himself, has boldly stepped up to challenge his training partner, declaring his intent to prove he's 'truly elite.' However, his preparation has been marred by a recent foot infection that forced him out of UFC 310, potentially impacting his conditioning and explosiveness. While Muhammad vows 'knockout payback,' overcoming Makhachev's elite wrestling and control, especially with any lingering effects from injury, will be an immense task.

Given Makhachev's current form, historical dominance, and the significant concern surrounding Muhammad's recent injury, the odds reflect a clear favorite. While Muhammad’s grit is undeniable, Makhachev’s all-around game and superior wrestling make him the safer and more logical pick for a profitable outcome.

This superfight pits MMA's most dominant champion against a surging welterweight contender. Islam Makhachev enters as MMA Fighting's 2025 Fighter of the Year, riding a wave of technical brilliance that's established him as the sport's pound-for-pound king. The 1.23 odds reflect his overwhelming grappling advantage.

Belal Muhammad, despite his impressive welterweight title capture, faces a significant size and skill disadvantage moving up to challenge Makhachev. His recent training setback with a foot infection that forced him out of UFC 310 raises questions about his preparation. While Muhammad has shown tremendous heart and improving striking, Makhachev's pressure, takedown accuracy, and submission threats present a nearly insurmountable challenge.

Despite Muhammad's confidence about shocking the world, the reality is Makhachev operates at a different level. Expect Islam to methodically break down Belal with his trademark Dagestani pressure, securing takedowns and controlling the fight en route to either a late submission or dominant decision victory.

In this electrifying superfight pitting lightweight champ Islam Makhachev against welterweight titleholder Belal Muhammad, the stakes couldn't be higher on New Year's Eve 2025. Makhachev, fresh off being crowned MMA Fighting's 2025 Fighter of the Year, enters as the -5.35 favorite, and for good reason—his grappling dominance has dismantled elite competition, turning fights into masterclasses of control and precision.

Muhammad, the gritty underdog at +4.10, brings welterweight fire and a vow to shock the world with a knockout. His recent title grab was impressive, but pulling out of UFC 310 due to a foot infection raises durability questions. Still, Belal's wrestling pedigree and heart make him dangerous on the feet.

Betting $1 here? The value screams Makhachev. His chain wrestling should neutralize Muhammad's power, leading to a submission or decision win. Oddsmakers nailed it—Islam's elite run makes him the smart play for profitability.

Islam Makhachev enters this superfight as MMA Fighting's 2025 Fighter of the Year, riding a dominant run that has oddsmakers installing him as a hefty 1.23 favorite. His grappling wizardry is expected to overwhelm Belal Muhammad's grit, despite Muhammad's bold declaration to prove his elite status.
Belal Muhammad, fresh off a welterweight title grab, has shown resilience but faced a setback with a nasty foot infection that forced him out of UFC 310. This could impact his training camp and readiness against Makhachev's relentless pace.
While Muhammad vows knockout payback, Makhachev's consistent mastery and current form make him the smart bet. The value lies with the champion to justify the steep odds and continue his hot streak.

Islam Makhachev enters this superfight as the clear favorite with odds of 1.23, and for good reason. Makhachev’s grappling wizardry has been nearly unstoppable, earning him the title of MMA Fighting's 2025 Fighter of the Year. His dominance in the lightweight division has set a high bar for any challenger. Belal Muhammad, however, is no ordinary opponent. After capturing the welterweight title and declaring his intent to prove himself against Makhachev, Muhammad brings both momentum and motivation into this matchup.

That said, recent events cast some doubt on Muhammad's readiness. A foot infection forced him out of a key title defense at UFC 310, disrupting his training camp. While he vows to shock the world with a knockout strategy, overcoming Makhachev’s elite wrestling and submission skills will be an uphill battle. The odds reflect this challenge, with Muhammad listed as a significant underdog at 4.10.

Makhachev’s consistency and physicality give him the edge here. Even if Muhammad pushes the pace early, Makhachev’s ability to control fights on the ground should prevail. Betting on Makhachev may not offer huge returns due to his steep odds, but his reliability makes him the safer, more profitable pick in the long run.