Tag: belal muhammad

Leon Edwards Insists There’s No Bad Blood With Belal Muhammad On His Side: ‘He’s Made Up Scenarios In His Head’

According to UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, any talk of a bitter feud heading into this weekend’s main event is entirely on the side of Belal Muhammad. Edwards is set to defend his title on home soil for the second time and third time overall since winning it from Kamaru Usman in dramatic fashion almost […]

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According to UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, any talk of a bitter feud heading into this weekend’s main event is entirely on the side of Belal Muhammad.

Edwards is set to defend his title on home soil for the second time and third time overall since winning it from Kamaru Usman in dramatic fashion almost two years ago in Salt Lake City.

Having gotten the better of Usman in their trilogy fight in London last year and stalled Colby Covington’s ambitions in Las Vegas nine months later, “Rocky” will now put his gold on the line in the city of Manchester.

He’s set to headline the UFC 304 pay-per-view opposite a familiar foe in Muhammad, whom he previously faced back in 2021. Ever since that bout ended in a no contest, they’ve appeared to have a distinct dislike for one another.

But although “Remember the Name” continues to admit as much, Edwards insists Muhammad is just another opponent…

Edwards Dismisses Claims Of Bitter Feud With Muhammad

During a fight week interview with Adam Catterall for TNT Sports, Edwards looked ahead to his second dance in the cage with Muhammad.

Both men have exchanged verbal jabs in the lead-up to UFC 304, but when it comes to actual bad blood and disdain, the champ claims it is entirely a one-way street.

“I’m not overlooking him one bit. He has gone out there and put the work in. … You have to take him serious. I just truly believe I am the best fighter,” Edwards said. “I believe that I am better than him on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, (Thursday), Friday; it doesn’t matter. I am the better fighter.

“I’ll go out Saturday night and prove that. That’s all it is. There’s no bad blood between us, there’s nothing else,” Edwards continued. “For him, he’s making up some scenario in his head where he hates me and blah, blah, blah. But, for me, he’s just another guy that’s in my way of this goal I’m trying to achieve in my life…that’s it.”

While he may not be motivated by the same level of hatred as his challenger is, Edwards no doubt has plenty to fight for.

In addition to keeping the welterweight gold in his possession and moving closer to Georges St-Pierre’s record for title defenses in the division, a victory would further boost “Rocky’s” chances of securing a shot at the middleweight belt down the line.

Continue Reading Leon Edwards Insists There’s No Bad Blood With Belal Muhammad On His Side: ‘He’s Made Up Scenarios In His Head’ at MMA News.

UFC Full Fight: Relive Belal Muhammad’s Bonus-Winning Knockout Of Sean Brady Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Challenge

UFC 304 headliner Belal Muhammad delivered his career-best display when showcasing his ever-improving striking game in Abu Dhabi two years ago. Muhammad is set to main event this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where he’ll challenge for the UFC’s welterweight championship against a familiar foe in reigning kingpin Leon Edwards. […]

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UFC 304 headliner Belal Muhammad delivered his career-best display when showcasing his ever-improving striking game in Abu Dhabi two years ago.

Muhammad is set to main event this weekend’s pay-per-view card at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where he’ll challenge for the UFC’s welterweight championship against a familiar foe in reigning kingpin Leon Edwards.

The pair first collided back in 2021, with an accidental eye poke rendering Muhammad unable to continue. While “Rocky” went on to capture the belt the following year, “Remember the Name” has been working his way toward a shot of his own and a rematch with the Brit.

A major step on that journey came in the Middle East in October 2022 when Muhammad shared the Octagon with then-undefeated up-and-comer Sean Brady. While renowned for his grappling game, the Chicago standout showed new wrinkles to his game by piecing Brady up on the feet en route to a second-round TKO.

Ahead of Saturday’s event, the promotion has released the full Muhammad vs. Brady fight from UFC 280 on its official YouTube channel.

Muhammad is looking to put in a similarly impressive display this weekend to unseat Edwards, vowing to finish the reigning welterweight kingpin before reaching the championship rounds in the UFC 304 main event.

Continue Reading UFC Full Fight: Relive Belal Muhammad’s Bonus-Winning Knockout Of Sean Brady Ahead Of UFC 304 Title Challenge at MMA News.

Robert Whittaker predicts Belal Muhammad will struggle against Leon Edwards at UFC 304

Belal Muhammad, Leon EdwardsFormer UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker believes Belal Muhammad will have a lot of struggles against Leon Edwards at…

Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker believes Belal Muhammad will have a lot of struggles against Leon Edwards at UFC 304.

Muhammad is set to challenge for the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 304 against Edwards. It’s an intriguing matchup and heading into the fight, Muhammad has oozed with confidence that he will be able to dominate the Brit to win the title.

However, Whittaker thinks Edwards will be too good for Muhammad and should cruise to a win, as he expects the champ to pick apart Muhammad.

“I can see like two possibilities,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade Podcast (via MMANews). “The first one, Leon Edwards, just being too good. I think the caliber of fights Leon Edwards has had is different from Belal Muhammad’s. Fighting Usman twice is huge, especially when he fought him the first time; that was good. Fighting Colby, like Colby, is a nightmare for everyone, and he was just able to shut him down so well with spectacular spacing. It’s very hard to find a hole, especially, you know, if we compare it to when he fought Nate Diaz, right? And we saw that hole get exposed in the later round or fights before that.”

“I feel like he’s tightened up to a whole new degree, further than he was then, and especially in that last fight, I was so super impressed with just how clean he was. There wasn’t really anything to pick apart; there weren’t any holes or glaring weaknesses to exploit for Colby.”

Robert Whittaker believes Belal Muhammad will struggle to push the pace

A key part of Belal Muhammad’s game is his cardio and his ability to push the pace. However, against Leon Edwards, Robert Whittaker thinks Muhammad will struggle to push the pace against Edwards.

“I find that sort of fight going to be hard for Belal Muhammad, who, you know, is not spectacular in any one field. He’s kind of just really high level at all of them, in my opinion. He’s amazing at everything, but I feel like his greatest strength is that he’s well-rounded. He can take the fight in any direction to get the win. But I think he’s going to have trouble trying to push that sort of game plan on Leon Edwards,” Whittaker said.

With Whittaker thinking Muhammad will struggle to push the pace, he believes that will lead to Edwards getting the win to remain the welterweight champ.

Belal Muhammad looking to ‘Torture’ Leon Edwards at UFC 304

Belal Muhammad looking to 'torture' Leon Edwards at UFC 304Incoming welterweight title challenger, Belal Muhammad has vowed to “torture” incumbent gold holder, Leon Edwards in their championship rematch…

Belal Muhammad looking to 'torture' Leon Edwards at UFC 304

Incoming welterweight title challenger, Belal Muhammad has vowed to “torture” incumbent gold holder, Leon Edwards in their championship rematch at UFC 304 this weekend. 

Muhammad, the current number two ranked welterweight challenger, returns this weekend in a championship setting for the first time in his Octagon tenure, matching with Birmingham favorite, Edwards for the second time.

Belal Muhammad laughs off Leon Edwards' cardio 'It is hilarious'

In their first matchup, Muhammad was hit with multiple illegal eye pokes from Edwards, resulting in an eventual second round official ‘No Contest’.

Belal Muhammad vows to “torture” Leon Edwards at UFC 304

Unbeaten in his last 10 straight fights, however, Illinois native, Muhammad has played down the ability of Team Renegade BJJ & MMA staple, Edwards – particularly his cardio tank, and vowed to “torture” the defending champion when they share the Octagon in the early hours of Sunday morning at UFC 304.

Belal Muhammad laughs off call out from Colby Covington after UFC 304 this guy's a joke

“I want to torture him (Leon Edwards),” Belal Muhammad told assembled media during his UFC 304 media day availability. “I want him to realize how much better I am than him. When you go out there and get a finish, people are like, ‘Oh, you got lucky. It happened because of that.’”

“I go out there and dominate him and beath in all aspects of MMA,” Belal Muhammad explained. “Wrestling, grappling, striking, Jiu-Jitsu, get him to the point of making him want to quit. I want to torture him. I want him to get to the point of looking at his coaches and his coaches have nothing to say and they walk away because they’re embarrassed.”

Belal Muhammad denied title fight with Leon Edwards at UFC 300 received no offer
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

In his most recent outing, Muhammad landed a one-sided unanimous decision win over former title challenger, Gilbert Burns in the short-notice co-main event of UFC 288 early last year over the course of five rounds to earn his premiere championship charge.

Who do you think wins at UFC 304: Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad?

Israel Adesanya Gives One-Sided Prediction For Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘He’s On A Massacre Right Now…’

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has a strong idea of how Saturday’s main event title fight in Manchester will play out. Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back across the pond this week to stage its first card in the English city of Manchester in close to a decade. And among the home fighters […]

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Gives One-Sided Prediction For Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘He’s On A Massacre Right Now…’ at MMA News.

Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has a strong idea of how Saturday’s main event title fight in Manchester will play out.

Mixed martial arts’ leading promotion is back across the pond this week to stage its first card in the English city of Manchester in close to a decade. And among the home fighters looking to thrill the UK crowd is reigning welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards.

Following successful defenses of his gold opposite Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington in 2023, “Rocky” is next tasked with getting the better of Belal Muhammad at the second time of trying.

While their first fight back in 2021 ended in a no contest due to an accidental eye poke, the champ believes he was firmly en route to a knockout at the Apex. And with that in mind, the Jamaica-born Brit expects to finish the job inside the Co-op Live this weekend.

In that regard, he has the support of one notable former two-time UFC champ…

Adesanya ‘Not Hating On Belal’, But Sees A Finish For Edwards At UFC 304

During a video recently uploaded to his FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, Adesanya provided his breakdowns and predictions for the major title fights set to play out in Manchester on July 27.

When it comes to the main event, Adesanya had little doubt backing his fellow Chosen Advisory-managed fighter to emerge with the gold still in his possession at UFC 304, even predicting that he’ll get the job done before the championship rounds.

“Belal’s got pressure, man. It just seems like he’s able to get to people and put his will on them,” Adesanya said. “But I’ll tell you one thing, this is a different version — Leon just seems like he’s on a massacre right now; he’s on a run. Leon might finish him. I think Leon finishes this fight.

“I’m trying to see how Belal can win this fight. This seems like a bad match for Belal. I’m not hating on Belal or anything, I’m just trying to see what’s his path to victory in this,” Adesanya continued. “Striking, Leon’s got it. Grappling, you wanna lean towards Belal but Leon is right up there. It’s Leon’s fight to win, Leon’s fight to lose. … Leon’s too crisp compared to Belal. He’s just too sharp. … Leon by knockout in the third round, second or third round.”

Edwards will look to make Adesanya’s prediction a reality come fight night, when he’s vowed to end Muhammad’s championship ambitions inside the distance with an emphatic performance and stoppage on home soil.

Continue Reading Israel Adesanya Gives One-Sided Prediction For Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad At UFC 304: ‘He’s On A Massacre Right Now…’ at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad Suggests UK Fans Only Support Leon Edwards Because He’s A British Champion: ‘How Can You Be A Fan Of The Guy?’

Since winning the UFC welterweight title in stunning fashion at UFC 278, Leon Edwards has become the face of UK MMA. “Rocky” has become a star in this past of the world but his next title challenger doesn’t believe that his supporters are really fans of him. Belal Muhammad will look to spoil the night […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Suggests UK Fans Only Support Leon Edwards Because He’s A British Champion: ‘How Can You Be A Fan Of The Guy?’ at MMA News.

Since winning the UFC welterweight title in stunning fashion at UFC 278, Leon Edwards has become the face of UK MMA.

“Rocky” has become a star in this past of the world but his next title challenger doesn’t believe that his supporters are really fans of him.

Belal Muhammad will look to spoil the night at UFC 304 in Manchester by dethroning Edwards in the main event which will take place in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Whilst the fans in attendance are sure to leave the Co-op Live Arena disappointed if the final bout of the evening doesn’t go the way of the Brit, Muhammad believes that they were only backing Edwards in the first place because he holds the gold.

Belal Muhammad Doesn’t Think UK Fans Actually Care About Leon Edwards

In a fight week interview with Kaz Crossley for Title Sports Network, Muhammad doubled down on his theory that Edwards doesn’t have real ride or die fans.

He questioned why people back “Rocky” when he doesn’t go out of his way to build his profile and brand by putting himself out there more.

“Yeah I don’t think Leon has any fans if I’m being honest. Like how can you be a fan of the guy? He’s not loud, he doesn’t talk, he doesn’t tweet, he doesn’t promote himself, he just has the belt.”

Muhammad then spoke about why he believes Edwards only gets support from the UK fans because he is the welterweight champion.

The #2-ranked contender at 170-pounds made reference to Edwards’ fight with Gunnar Nelson in 2019 where he was booed in London due to his beef with one half of the main event on that night, Liverpool’s Darren Till.

“100%. Yeah, I don’t think they’re, you weren’t even riding for Leon before he got the belt. They were booing him. Like before that, they didn’t care about him, they wanted Darren Till to win the belt before him so I don’t think they really care about Leon Edwards. They’re just like, ‘Ah man, Leon got it, all right well let’s go cheer for him right now since it’s going to be at our house anyway, we’ll go watch him.’”

Read also: Daniel Cormier Believes Leon Edwards & Belal Muhammad Are Underestimating Each Other Ahead Of UFC 304: ‘Both Of These Guys Are Much Better…’

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Suggests UK Fans Only Support Leon Edwards Because He’s A British Champion: ‘How Can You Be A Fan Of The Guy?’ at MMA News.