Tag: belal muhammad

Former Opponent Reveals That He Perfectly Predicted “Randy Couture Style” Welterweight Title Win For Belal Muhammad At UFC 304

Belal Muhammad came into UFC 304 as the underdog but he certainly didn’t look like it in the early hours of the morning in Manchester. The welterweight title challenger largely dominated Leon Edwards to become the champion via a unanimous decision verdict. After Edwards had already beaten top grapplers in Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, […]

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Belal Muhammad came into UFC 304 as the underdog but he certainly didn’t look like it in the early hours of the morning in Manchester.

The welterweight title challenger largely dominated Leon Edwards to become the champion via a unanimous decision verdict.

After Edwards had already beaten top grapplers in Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, many assumed that he would have no problem thwarting the heavy wrestling approach of Muhammad, but this wasn’t the case.

Having been inside the Octagon with him for 25 minutes, a former opponent of the current champion saw this performance coming from him and successfully predicted it ahead of time.

Gilbert Burns Reveals Correct Pre-Fight Prediction & Breakdown For UFC 304

During a recent episode of the Believe You Me Podcast, Michael Bisping was joined by former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns.

Burns is looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats next time out when he faces Sean Brady, both of whom whom were beaten by Muhammad during his undefeated run to the title.

“Durinho” revealed during the interview that he wasn’t surprised by what went down in Manchester and had in fact, told Bisping ahead of time.

After going through his messages, the former middleweight champion was able to find the message which correctly called that “Remember The Name” would get his hand raised on July 27 and how he would do it.

Bisping read the message aloud having asked Burns for his prediction, only to then forget to mention it during the live broadcast.

“Tough fight but I believe Belal’s going to make it a dog fight. I think that’s the only way for him to win and I believe he will do that. Randy Couture style dog fight. Inside dirty boxing mixed up with the wrestling.” 

Read also: Stephen Thompson On Welterweight Star He Wants To Fight Instead Of Michael ‘Venom’ Page: ‘I Think People Would Boo That Fight’

Continue Reading Former Opponent Reveals That He Perfectly Predicted “Randy Couture Style” Welterweight Title Win For Belal Muhammad At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad insults Sean Strickland’s conservative fighting style

Belal Muhammad insults Sean Strickland's conservative fighting styleNewly-minted undisputed welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad has once more taken aim at arch-rival, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland —…

Belal Muhammad insults Sean Strickland's conservative fighting style

Newly-minted undisputed welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad has once more taken aim at arch-rival, former middleweight champion, Sean Strickland — this time poking fun at the number one contender’s striking style.

Muhammad, who most recently headlined UFC 304 at the end of July in Manchester, England — turned in a stunning unanimous decision win over defending champion, Leon Edwards — landing a one-sided judging win over the Birmingham native in their rematch to crown himself as the new gold holder.

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And as for former middleweight gold holder, Strickland is expected to challenge Dricus du Plessis in a title rematch next, having most recently retained his status as number one contender in a decision win over former championship challenger, Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 302 in May in Newark, New Jersey.

Linked with returns against the likes of former undisputed champion, Kamaru Usman, as well as the surging unbeaten, Shavkat Rakhmonov — who has yet to go the distance, finishing all eighteen opponents in his unbeaten run in mixed martial arts.

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Belal Muhammad hits out at arch-rival, Sean Strickland

However, amid links to a return by the end of the year at UFC 310, Belal Muhammad has once more hit out as the style of Strickland — laying out a potential game plan the former would use if they ever shared the Octagon in the future.

Kamaru Usman, Belal Muhammad in fiery social media battle: 'Colby sucks, you went to war with him twice'

“He (Sean Strickland) would throw 95 teeps at me every round then wait till 6 seconds left in the fight and start throwing jumping teeps and yelling like he’s wild,” Belal Muhammad posted on his official X account about Sean Strickland.

While Strickland has felt the wrath of the undisputed welterweight champion, Muhammad — who hypothesized a potential fight in the future, he himself ruled out a potential rematch with light heavyweight best, Alex Pereira in the future — claiming he would likely just get knocked out again.

I’m not scared of Alex (Pereira), but my chin — I’ll just go to sleep, it’s a weird thing,” Sean Strickland told the Brazilian’s head coach, Plinio Cruz during a recent video. “For me to knock Alex out, he has to do something really stupid. If you gave me one free shot and you said give everything you can, I’m not knocking him out.”

Shavkat Rakhmonov campaigns for UFC title fight next: ‘There should be no question’

Shavkat Rakhmonov campaigns for UFC title fight next: 'There should be no question'Unbeaten welterweight contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov has staked his claim for a title shot at 170lbs next ahead of other…

Shavkat Rakhmonov campaigns for UFC title fight next: 'There should be no question'

Unbeaten welterweight contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov has staked his claim for a title shot at 170lbs next ahead of other contenders, pointing to his stunning 100% finish rate and undefeated streaks — as the main reason he should battle newly-minted champion, Belal Muhammad next.

Rakhmonov, the current number three ranked divisional contender, most recently featured back in December of last year on the main card of UFC 296, improving to 18-0 with a stunning second round rear-naked choke win over two-time title challenger, Stephen Thompson.

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As for Muhammad, the streaking Illinois native sprung a massive title fight upset at the end of July in Manchester, ending the run of two-time foe, Leon Edwards in a unanimous decision shutout win at UFC 304 in his first championship charge under the banner of the organization.

And while Shavkat Rakhmonov has yet to be booked for his next outing amid links to a definitive title eliminator against Australian fan-favorite, Jack Della Maddalena, the Uzbekistan-born challenger has been weighed up as a challenge to Muhammad next — alongside former champion, Kamaru Usman.

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Shavkat Rakhmonov vows to take on Belal Muhammad next

However, staking his claim for a showdown with the new champion next, Rakhmonov took to his social media today, claiming his winning spree should land him a charge against Muhammad before any other challenger.

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“18-0 with 100% finishes or 0-3 in the last three fights,” Shavkat Rakhmonov posted on his X account, poking fun at the recent run of former pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman. “I think there should be no question who fights next for the title.”

In the midst of a three-fight losing skid against common-foe, Edwards, and the unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, Usman has staked his claim for a grudge fight with Muhammad — who name-dropped a fight with the Nigerian veteran in a bid to bolster his claim as champion, in a self-labelled legacy championship fight for himself.

Jack Della Maddalena vows to finish Belal Muhammad in future fight: ‘I put him down early’

Jack Della Maddalena vows to finish Belal Muhammad in future fight: 'I put him down early'Surging welterweight contender, Jack Della Maddalena may have missed out on a return to action tonight at UFC 305…

Jack Della Maddalena vows to finish Belal Muhammad in future fight: 'I put him down early'

Surging welterweight contender, Jack Della Maddalena may have missed out on a return to action tonight at UFC 305 due to an arm injury, however, the Australian star claims he would likely dispatch newly-minted champion, Belal Muhammad early if afforded the chance to fight him soon.

Della Maddalena, the current number five ranked welterweight contender, has been sidelined from action since he featured at UFC 299 back in March, stopping former title challenger, Gilbert Burns in a third round KO win to earn himself a Performance of the Night bonus. 

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As for Muhammad, the surging welterweight star managed to land the undisputed divisional crown in the main event of UFC 304 at the end of last month in Manchester, rematching Leon Edwards and landing an outstanding unanimous decision victory over the Birmingham native.

Jack Della Maddalena vows to stop Belal Muhammad early

And sidelined through arm surgery from a comeback fight in his native Australia this weekend, Della Maddalena plotted his way to a title fight with Illinois native, Muhammad next – vowing to stop him with ease rather early on, to boot.

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“Yeah I think 2025, Belal (Muhammad’s) is going down – with this left hand,” Jack Della Maddalena said during a fan Q&A ahead of UFC 305 tonight. “I’d love to fight someone that’s in front of me. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Colby Covington, or Kamaru Usman.”

“Yeah, I think I’d put him down, you know,” Jack Della Maddalena said of Muhammad. “Pretty early really – done in one. No doubt.”

During his run to the top-5 in the division, Perth hometown favorite, Della Maddalena has landed seven consecutive wins in the promotion – following an impressive outing on Dana White’s Contender Series.

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Of note in the promotion, Della Maddalena has beaten the likes of the above-mentioned, Burns, Kevin Holland, Randy Brown, Danny Roberts, and Ramazan Emeev to name a few. 

Belal Muhammad On Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Ability 4 Years On From Retirement: ‘Could Come Back & Be A Champion In Any Division’

According to UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad, lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has not lost a step. Muhammad was crowned kingpin at 170 pounds courtesy of a dominant upset victory over Leon Edwards at the UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England, late last month. Having achieved his title dreams on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad On Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Ability 4 Years On From Retirement: ‘Could Come Back & Be A Champion In Any Division’ at MMA News.

According to UFC Welterweight Champion Belal Muhammad, lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has not lost a step.

Muhammad was crowned kingpin at 170 pounds courtesy of a dominant upset victory over Leon Edwards at the UFC 304 pay-per-view event in Manchester, England, late last month.

Having achieved his title dreams on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, “Remember the Name” had plenty of thanks to pass around to those who helped him reach the position he now finds himself in.

Among them is Khabib Nurmagomedov and the members of his team.

Prior to his knockout victory over Sean Brady in 2022, Muhammad sought the help of the former UFC lightweight champion and even had his guidance from the corner on fight night.

Be it in person or over the phone, Muhammad has had a similar helping hand from “The Eagle” ever since. With that in mind, the welterweight champ is uniquely placed to describe the condition Khabib is in when it comes to hands-on training.

And according to him, Khabib — who retired with a 29-0 record following his successful title defense against Justin Gaethje in 2020 — is still a step above the rest…

Muhammad: Khabib ‘Toyed With Me’ In Training

During a recent appearance on ex-UFC athlete Brendan Schaub and Bryan Callen’s The Fighter and The Kid podcast, Muhammad further described the work he’s been putting in with Khabib and some of the big names on the Nurmagomedov team.

“Remember the Name” admitted he was regularly schooled on the mats, including by the retired lightweight legend himself. And when it comes to Khabib’s continued mixed martial arts capabilities, Muhammad says he’d back “The Eagle” to capture gold again at any weight.

“There’s not a weak person in that group. Every single one of the people is beating me up,” Muhammad said. “Khabib’s freakin’ playing with me, throwing me around. I’m just like, ‘Man, I’m fighting for the world title and this guy’s just toying with me.’

“Literally, when I was in New Jersey I was like, ‘Bro, I’m getting killed by him,’” Muhammad continued. “Khabib’s still — literally he could come back and be a champion right now in any division he wants to. … It’s literally unbelievable.”

Unfortunately for fans hoping to see those claims tested inside the cage, Khabib has remained firm on his refusal to entertain a comeback since hanging up his gloves.

While he was initially a regular fixture in the camps and corners for the likes of Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov, “The Eagle” took an extended break from traveling in 2023.

Recent months have seen his return to that realm, however, with Khabib first cornering Makhachev against Dustin Poirier this past June and more recently calling the shots for his cousin Umar’s victory over Cory Sandhagen earlier this month.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad On Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Ability 4 Years On From Retirement: ‘Could Come Back & Be A Champion In Any Division’ at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad Told To Hand Out ‘A Couple Of 10-7s’ To Ian Garry On Social Media: ‘But Keep The Wife Out Of It…’

Josh Thomson and “Big” John McCarthy recently offered insightful counsel to Belal Muhammad, urging him to elevate his mic game and suggesting that sharpening his verbal skills could be the key to skyrocketing his popularity. “Remember the Name” realized his dream of dethroning welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last month at the Co-Op […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Told To Hand Out ‘A Couple Of 10-7s’ To Ian Garry On Social Media: ‘But Keep The Wife Out Of It…’ at MMA News.

Josh Thomson and “Big” John McCarthy recently offered insightful counsel to Belal Muhammad, urging him to elevate his mic game and suggesting that sharpening his verbal skills could be the key to skyrocketing his popularity.

“Remember the Name” realized his dream of dethroning welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last month at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester. This showdown marked their second clash, following their initial encounter in March 2021, which ended in a no-contest after an accidental eye-poke prevented Muhammad from continuing beyond the second round.

Although Muhammad has consistently showcased his prowess in the Octagon, evidenced by his impressive 11-fight unbeaten streak, he seems to lack the gift of gab—a skill many UFC fighters masterfully wield to sell fights and win the hearts of fans.

However, the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion appears to have shifted his approach in recent times, as evident on his X account, where he’s been unleashing unrelenting jabs at his naysayers. For the past few days, he’s been locked in a heated war of words with former long-reigning champion Kamaru Usman.

Muhammad’s revamped strategy has certainly caught the attention of Thomson and McCarthy, who view it positively but believe he can still fine-tune his verbal game even further…

Thomson & McCarthy Believe Muhammad’s Edwards Victory Was Two-in-One Success

In a recent episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast with McCarthy, Thomson delved into Muhammad’s rising popularity following his victory over Edwards. The former UFC lightweight champion remarked that “Remember the Name” has undeniably silenced his critics with this win, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

“I think overall he’s doing a great job because if you look, the one knock—not one, there were two knocks on him—interviews were cringe, okay? Like, ‘oh, it’s just too much; he’s forcing it too much, and he’s a boring fighter,’” Thomson said. “I’m sorry, he stood toe-to-toe with Leon, had some great wrestling, had some good standup—he fought a great, well-rounded fight. He’s a true MMA fighter, and he’s proving that now. Put him on the mic, maybe just take away the mic then if you don’t like what he has to say, but man, he’s lighting up Twitter right now.”

“The Punk’ also noted how Muhammad is now playfully clapping back at his trolls on social media, adding a new dimension to his public persona.

“He’s crushing X, and I love it. I love that he’s smashing dudes, I love that he’s handing out L’s, I love that he’s dishing out 10-8 rounds. I want to see a couple of 10-7s to Ian Garry, though. I’d like to see that—if he can hand a 10-7 to Ian Garry, I’d like to see it because that’s another guy who’s very cringe. They’ve got to take the mic away from that guy.”

McCarthy nodded in agreement with Thomson’s remarks and playfully suggested that if Muhammad ever engages in a war of words with Garry, he should steer clear of bringing up his spouse in the trash talk.

“Okay, I’m all for him handing out a 10-7 to Garry, but keep the wife out of it.”

Since his victory, Muhammad has welcomed the prospect of facing Shavkat Rakhmonov for his first title defense, while simultaneously sparring with Usman in a heated social media back-and-forth.

However, with “The Nigerian Nightmare” reeling from three consecutive losses, a title shot seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Garry, who remains undefeated and vocal about his ambitions for a title fight, could soon find himself in the welterweight title mix.

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Told To Hand Out ‘A Couple Of 10-7s’ To Ian Garry On Social Media: ‘But Keep The Wife Out Of It…’ at MMA News.