Former UFC champion preaches respect for Jake Paul after loss to Anthony Joshua.

Jake at a press conference to promote a boxing match. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Netflix

Even a week later, the confrontation between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul continues to generate opinions among leading figures in combat sports. While some took advantage of the traumatic defeat to taunt the YouTuber , others have shown solidarity with the American's performance, such as Belal Muhammad , for example. The former champion publicly praised the heart of the "Troublemaker" in a video posted on social media.

See too

VIDEO: Heartwarming! Carlos Prates gives a 'turbocharged' Christmas present to his longtime coach.

VIDEO: Professor! Alex Poatan does a Christmas workout with his children and the quality impresses – Watch now!

Short and sweet! Charles do Bronx mocks former UFC champion after attack: 'You are…'

In a brief interview on his YouTube channel , the Palestinian highlighted Paul's courage in continuing to fight even after a serious jaw fracture. However, he also spoke about how the American generates conflicting feelings among fans.

“People can say what they want, but the guy faced one of the best boxers in the world. They can say it’s fixed, but his jaw is broken. I don’t think this was planned. He convinced us to watch. My father said, ‘I’m not going to watch this crap. Maybe I’ll watch just to see him get beat up.’ That’s it, right? People want to see you get knocked out—they’re going to watch,” he stated.

🫡🤝 Belal Muhammad says people should respect Jake Paul more

“People can say whatever they want, but the guy went against one of the best boxers in the world.

People can say it's fixed, but his jaw is broken. I don't think that was part of a plan.

He got us to watch. My dad… pic.twitter.com/ZknN3dyu3n

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 25, 2025

For Belal Muhammad, the hatred/disrespect from fans is nothing new. In fact, the Palestinian experienced extremely unpleasant situations while climbing the welterweight rankings (up to 77,1 kg). In addition to provocations from other fighters, some fans even treated the former champion with disdain during public events held by the UFC.

Belal Muhammad is the former welterweight champion. Photo: Instagram.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.