Belal Muhammad vs Tim Means — Fight recap

Belal Muhammad earned a split decision victory over Tim Means on November 18, 2017, in a closely contested three-round welterweight bout. Muhammad landed 88 significant strikes on 221 attempts (39%) while Means countered with 91 significant strikes on 234 attempts (38%), illustrating the fight's competitive nature.

Muhammad secured one takedown in five attempts and maintained 21 seconds of control time, though neither fighter dominated the grappling exchanges. The striking volume remained nearly identical throughout, with both competitors favoring head strikes—Muhammad connected on 72 of 199 head shots while Means landed 49 of 178—but Means showed superior body work with 29 of 42 body strikes landed.

Despite the marginal statistical advantage favoring Means, the judges awarded Muhammad the nod on two cards, likely crediting his takedown threat and cage control in a narrow decision. The victory kept Muhammad's momentum building in the welterweight division.