Imagine losing a fight not because your opponent was better, but because of something that felt like outright cheating. That's the frustration Belal Muhammad is grappling with after his recent bout against Ian Machado Garry. Muhammad believes Garry strategically used eye pokes to secure a win, and he's not holding back his feelings about it.
Muhammad, who knows firsthand the devastating impact of eye pokes (his fight against Leon Edwards ended in a no-contest due to one), experienced a sense of déjà vu against Garry. The fight was paused multiple times due to Muhammad's complaints of eye pokes, but here's where it gets controversial: the referee didn't penalize Garry with a point deduction. This perceived lack of consequence is fueling Muhammad's anger and raising serious questions about the rules of the sport.
"What did we see in the fight? Obviously, we didn’t see much because I got poked in the eye three times," Muhammad stated on his YouTube channel. He continued, pointing to what he believes was a deliberate strategy: "He understood poking an eye was going to win the fight, especially when you do it early, and especially when you don’t get points taken away from you."
Muhammad's main point? The rules need a serious overhaul. He argues that without meaningful penalties, fighters will continue to exploit eye pokes as a tactic. "There needs to be repercussions," he emphasized. "Otherwise, guys are going to keep doing it. What’s the point of even having the rule?"
And this is the part most people miss: Muhammad isn't alone in his frustration. Many fighters have voiced concerns about the inconsistent enforcement of eye poke rules. Even UFC CEO Dana White has acknowledged the problem, suggesting that "harder penalties" are likely the best solution to deter fighters from putting their fingers in a position where eye pokes are likely to occur. Think of it like this: a stricter penalty for speeding might make you think twice before putting your foot down on the gas pedal.
While Muhammad clearly feels the eye pokes influenced the outcome, he did give credit to Garry for his overall performance. He acknowledged Garry's effective distance management and attributed some of his own struggles to a slow start. "Ian was pretty smart,” Muhammad conceded. "He’s very good with his distance management. We knew he was going to be sticking and moving."
Muhammad explained that he needed to adjust his strategy and start applying pressure earlier in the fight. "By the third round, we figured out the distance, we figured out the style, but it was already too late. You’ve got to do that sooner," he said, taking responsibility for his own shortcomings. He also mentioned the importance of refining his training and preparation for future fights.
The loss to Garry marks Muhammad's second consecutive defeat, following a unanimous decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena in May. This is a significant setback, as Muhammad had never previously lost two fights in a row in his career. But, true to his resilient spirit, Muhammad vowed to learn from the experience and return to the octagon stronger than ever.
"Obviously, the fight didn’t go the way we wanted it to go,” Muhammad admitted. "All we can do is get better and grow from it."
Despite the recent losses, Muhammad remains confident in his abilities. "I still think we’re one of the best in the world. I can’t wait to prove it. Really nothing else to talk about. The actions mean more than words."
But here's a question for you: Do you think the current rules adequately address the issue of eye pokes in MMA? Should referees be more proactive in deducting points for fouls, even if they appear unintentional? Or is it up to the fighters themselves to be more careful with their hand positioning? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
