"Prates Sabotaged Garry to Avoid Belal? The Controversial Intentional Loss"

Who Is “Le Faucheur” in UFC? The Rise of Djoba Traoré and the Shadow of Belal Muhammad

Sofia, Bulgaria — May 4, 2026

The nickname “Le Faucheur” (French for “The Reaper”) has turn into synonymous with one of the most talked-about prospects in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Djoba Traoré, the French middleweight fighter, has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike with his aggressive striking and relentless pace. However, recent discussions on platforms like Reddit have sparked speculation about his role in the UFC’s welterweight division, particularly in relation to the division’s reigning champion, Belal Muhammad. While Traoré has yet to make his UFC debut, his potential impact—and the strategic maneuvering surrounding him—has become a focal point in the MMA community.

In the meantime, the UFC welterweight division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, with Belal Muhammad (“Remember the Name”) currently ranked #4 in the world as of May 2026. His upcoming fight against Gabriel Bonfim on June 6 at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas will further test his dominance, but the conversation around Traoré’s eventual UFC debut—and how it might disrupt the division—has already begun.

The nickname “Le Faucheur” was first associated with Traoré during his amateur career, where he amassed an 11-2-0 record. His striking prowess and ability to finish fights quickly earned him comparisons to some of the most feared strikers in MMA history. However, as of May 2026, Traoré has yet to compete professionally in the UFC, leaving his eventual role—and potential impact on the division—open to speculation.

While Traoré remains a middleweight, the discussion around his nickname and potential UFC debut has intersected with the welterweight division’s most pressing narrative: the rise of Ian Machado Garry and his recent clashes with Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad.

Ian Machado Garry’s Path to the Top and the Belal Muhammad Factor

Ian Machado Garry, known for his explosive striking and relentless cardio, has emerged as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC welterweight division. His recent victories over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad have cemented his status as a top contender. However, his relationship with Muhammad has been particularly contentious.

In April 2025, Garry defeated Prates via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night, a fight that set the stage for his next challenge: a potential title shot against Belal Muhammad. However, Muhammad’s camp reportedly rejected Garry as a backup for UFC 315, citing concerns over his conditioning and appearance after the Prates fight. According to MMA Mania, Muhammad’s team reportedly told Garry, “It looked like he got beat up,” effectively ending his chances of earning a title shot at that time.

Garry’s subsequent victory over Muhammad in November 2025 at UFC Qatar marked a turning point in his career. The unanimous decision victory not only solidified Garry’s place as a top welterweight but also reignited speculation about his potential to challenge Muhammad for the title. However, with Muhammad now preparing for his June 2026 bout against Bonfim, the timeline for a Garry-Muhammad rematch—or a potential title fight—remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the UFC continues to stack its cards with high-profile matchups, including the rumored Chimaev vs. Imavov in Chicago or Riyadh, further complicating the welterweight division’s future.

Djoba Traoré: The Middleweight Phenom with a Welterweight Question Mark

While Traoré’s UFC debut remains uncertain, his nickname and reputation precede him. Known for his lightning-fast combinations and ability to “reap” down opponents with precision strikes, Traoré has drawn comparisons to some of the most feared strikers in MMA history, including Israel Adesanya and Leon Edwards. However, his transition to the UFC—and whether he will remain a middleweight or move down to welterweight—has become a subject of debate.

If Traoré were to make the move to welterweight, his arrival would inject a new layer of unpredictability into the division. His striking would pose a significant challenge to Muhammad and Garry, both of whom rely heavily on their own striking prowess. However, without a professional record in the UFC, Traoré’s ability to adapt to the organization’s pace and style remains an open question.

For now, the welterweight division’s future hinges on the outcomes of upcoming fights, including Muhammad’s bout against Bonfim and Garry’s next challenge. Traoré’s eventual UFC debut—and whether he will be dubbed “Le Faucheur” of the welterweights—remains a story for another day.

Key Takeaways

• Djoba Traoré (“Le Faucheur”) is a rising middleweight prospect with an amateur record of 11-2-0, known for his aggressive striking.
• Ian Machado Garry has emerged as a top welterweight contender, defeating Belal Muhammad in November 2025 but facing an uncertain path to a title shot.
• Belal Muhammad remains the UFC welterweight champion, with his next fight against Gabriel Bonfim scheduled for June 6, 2026.
• The UFC continues to stack its cards with high-profile matchups, including potential Chimaev vs. Imavov in Chicago or Riyadh.
• Traoré’s potential move to welterweight could disrupt the division if he makes the transition successfully.

What’s Next?

The UFC welterweight division’s future will be shaped by the outcomes of Muhammad vs. Bonfim and Garry’s next fight. Fans will also be watching closely for Traoré’s eventual UFC debut, which could redefine the division’s landscape. For now, the division remains one of the most competitive in MMA, with no clear path to a title fight—yet.

Stay tuned to World Today Journal for updates on these high-stakes matchups and the latest developments in the UFC.

What do you suppose about the potential impact of “Le Faucheur” on the welterweight division? Share your thoughts in the comments below.