Belal Muhammad is living his best life right now, but the undisputed welterweight king is still adjusting to life as a UFC champion.
In case you missed it, Muhammad upset Leon Edwards at UFC 304 last weekend to claim the 170-pound crown. Muhammad utilized his world-class wrestling, grappling, pressure, and all-around control to throw “Rocky” off his game and beat the champion on enemy soil. It was a title fight years in the making and a tremendous performance from Muhammad who is now riding a 10-fight win streak.
The process for Muhammad to get to this point was not easy. Maybe that’s why “Remember the Name” is struggling with some things that come along with being UFC champion. This includes how to hold his new shiny belt.
Luckily, reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev (who also helped Muhammad train for his UFC 304 title fight) is ready and willing to help. On Friday, the below video leaked showing Mkahachev teaching Muhammad how to position his belt for a photo op. It was weird to say the least, especially since Makhachev could one day fight Muhammad for the same welterweight title.
Check it out below:
The Champs! @MakhachevMMA gives @BullyB170 a helping hand with his new belt #UFCAbuDhabi@VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/jUu91GQo4K
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 2, 2024
Muhammad, who turned 36 this past July, is hoping to make a return to action by end of year. If the newly-crowned champion had it his way his first title defense would come against undefeated contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov. We’ll see if UFC is interested in that fight or if they pivot to a different matchup.