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Belal Muhammad Downplays UFC 304 Opponent Leon Edwards’ Résumé: ‘To Get The Title Fight, He Fought Nothing But Lightweights!’

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad thinks his path to the belt was a lot tougher than champion Leon Edwards’. The pair are set to headline this weekend’s UFC 304 pay-per-view event inside the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where Muhammad will look to upset the home fans by ripping the 170-pound title from “Rocky’s” […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Downplays UFC 304 Opponent Leon Edwards’ Résumé: ‘To Get The Title Fight, He Fought Nothing But Lightweights!’ at MMA News.

UFC welterweight contender Belal Muhammad thinks his path to the belt was a lot tougher than champion Leon Edwards’.

The pair are set to headline this weekend’s UFC 304 pay-per-view event inside the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, where Muhammad will look to upset the home fans by ripping the 170-pound title from “Rocky’s” grasp.

Since their first fight ended in a No Contest over three years ago, Edwards has worked his way to the gold and subsequently defended it successfully twice to date. “Remember the Name,” meanwhile, has extended his unbeaten run to 10 with five straight wins over Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns.

That run has left many branding Muhammad the clear number one contender, and some even calling him the most deserving challenger in UFC history. Edwards, however, seemingly hasn’t been too impressed and recently downplayed some of his opponent’s results.

Unsurprisingly, Muhammad has returned the favor…

Muhammad Insists He Boasts Tougher Strength Of Schedule Than Edwards

During a recent interview with Kevin Iole, Muhammad looked ahead to his long-awaited first opportunity at achieving champion status on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

The #2-ranked welterweight had his attention turned to Edwards’ remarks about his winning run and fired back in kind, suggesting that “Rocky” fought nothing but 155lbers to secure his 2022 title shot.

“When I look at his résumé for him to get the title fight, he fought nothing but lightweights,” Muhammad said. “Donald Cerrone, RDA, Nate Diaz. Like, okay? Look at the guys that I beat, when I beat them. Gilbert Burns was on a two-fight winning streak. Luque was on a five or six-fight winning streak when I beat him. Sean Brady was on a 15-fight winning streak when I beat him. ‘Wonderboy’ was like 3-1 out of his last four fights when I beat him. Demian Maia was like 3-1…

“He can say whatever he wants, but I know what I had to do to fight those guys,” Muhammad continued. “And when I trained for those guys, every single one of those camps I picked up something different, right, because I had to train for a grappler, then I had to train for a striker, then I had to train for a guy who knocked me out before. Every single one of those guys, every single one of those camps, I evolved as a fighter. … I fought the best version of them and I got the best version of myself out of it.”

Muhammad will look to demonstrate that evolution since the unfortunate ending to his and Edwards’ first clash when they run it back in Manchester this weekend.

And when it comes to achieving that feat, “Remember the Name” isn’t short on confidence. The challenger has vowed to unseat “Rocky” inside the distance, with him and his manager claiming he won’t even require the championship rounds at UFC 304.

Read More: UFC Commentator Labels Belal Muhammad ‘Deluded’ For Pre-UFC 304 Comments About Leon Edwards

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Downplays UFC 304 Opponent Leon Edwards’ Résumé: ‘To Get The Title Fight, He Fought Nothing But Lightweights!’ at MMA News.

VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2

Fight week for the UFC 304 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad and the co-main event between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes. Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship rematch, with welterweight kingpin […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2 at MMA News.

Fight week for the UFC 304 pay-per-view this Saturday night has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad and the co-main event between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by a championship rematch, with welterweight kingpin Edwards (22-3, 1 NC) looking to add a third successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278 in August 2022. He’s since retained possession of the belt by getting the better of Usman again and Colby Covington in 2023.

If “Rocky” is to continue his rule atop the 170-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Muhammad (23-3, 1 NC) at the second time of trying. The pair first collided in a UFC Fight Night main event back in 2021, which ended prematurely when accidental eye pokes left “Remember the Name” unable to continue. He’s since won five straight over Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, Vicente Luque, Sean Brady, and Gilbert Burns to finally earn his first shot at gold.

Before those two run it back in the main event at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, another home fighter will put his title on the line in a rematch.

Two years on from a devastating knee injury handing him his first UFC loss, interim heavyweight champion Aspinall (14-3) will look to right that wrong by leveling the score with Blaydes (18-4, 1 NC). In defense of the strap he captured with a thunderous knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last November, Aspinall is tasked with preventing “Razor” following his TKO of Jailton Almeida with first-time title glory on July 27.

Ahead of those two contests across the pond, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 304 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

UFC 304 Countdown: Full Episode

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 304 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 & Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes 2 at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad laughs off Colby Covington’s ridiculous callout: ‘This guy’s a joke now’

Belal Muhammad has now fought his way to the top and earned a true title shot against the current…

Belal Muhammad has now fought his way to the top and earned a true title shot against the current welterweight champion, Leon Edwards.

Success can bring differences in how people treat you. For example, when Muhammad was on the outside looking in on the welterweight title situation, he called out Colby Covington numerous times. Covington never took his fight offers seriously, and he mocked Belal Muhammad.

Now, the tables have turned. ‘Remember the name’ has lived up to his nickname and fully cemented himself as a true welterweight title contender. Now that Covington feels the effects of being far too inactive, he’s calling out many big names. Muhammad doesn’t care, though, and it’s all very comical to him.

Belal Muhammad goes ‘scorched earth’ on Colby Covington

“That was honestly the funniest thing,” Muhammad told MMA Fighting. “I’m not even going to bring attention to it (The callout by Covington) because then I’m going to have a back-and-forth with him. This guy’s a joke now. He understands he’s a joke now. So he’s trying to go out there and call out these bigger names now. He’s calling out me, he’s calling out (Charles) Oliveira. Ian Garry’s not worth it. Why, because Ian Garry’s a bad matchup for you?”

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

“He knows that if he loses one more fight, it’s over. How terrible that last fight was; he’s desperate for something. He’s desperate for a win. I think he’s going to sit there and wait. Maybe he’s going to call out a [featherweight] or somebody and hope one of those guys bites the bullet.”

Belal Muhammad set to serve as backup fighter to Leon Edwards and Colby Covington at UFC 296 — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

Obviously, not allowing himself even to entertain this Colby Covington callout, Muhammad has moved on to greener pastures. He will rematch Leon Edwards at UFC 304, and this time, it will be for the UFC welterweight championship.

Do you think Belal Muhammad will defeat Leon Edwards this Saturday at UFC 304?

Photos – Leon Edwards shows off ripped physique ahead of UFC 304 title fight with Belal Muhammad

Just a week out from his next defense of the undisputed welterweight crown, Leon Edwards has shown off a…

Just a week out from his next defense of the undisputed welterweight crown, Leon Edwards has shown off a ripped physique as he prepares for a rematch clash with Belal Muhammad in a return to Manchester.

Edwards, the current undisputed welterweight champion, returns to action next weekend headlining a title fight doubleheader at UFC 304 in Manchester, searching for his third successful defense of the 170lbs title.

Last time out, the fan-favorite Birmingham technician made lightwork of former interim champion, Colby Covington in the pair’s title grudge fight last December, outworking the Clovis native over the course of five rounds in a one-sided decision shutout victory.

Taking on the surging, Muhamamd in a main event fight at the UFC Apex facility back in 2020, Edwards forced a second round doctor’s stoppage after an inadvertent eye poke left the Illinois native unable to compete, resulting in an official ‘No Contest’ clash en route to his championship run.

Leon Edwards shows off shredded physique ahead of UFC 304 return

And ramping up training in recent weeks in preparation for his showdown against Muhammad at the Co-op Live arena in England, Edwards has shown off a ripped physique as he returns to his native UK in search of another victory on home soil.

Weighing up his immediate options off the back of next weekend’s title with Muhammad, Edwards – who has been the subject of much speculation regarding a title defense against pound-for-pound number one and lightweight best, Islam Makhachev, spoke of how soon a pairing could materialize.

“For sure, for sure,” Leon Edwards said of a title fight with Islam Makhachev. “I feel like we’ve both got work to do within our division… We’re both on similar paths so I can see that happening in the future. I would like to move up as well, and challenge for the middleweight belt.”

Who wins at UFC 304 next weekend: Leon Edwards or Belal Muhammad?

Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank

Belal Muhammad recently claimed that reigning UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards would be a walk in the park for him, suggesting that the division has lost its edge and currently lacks competitiveness. “Remember the Name” is gearing up to challenge Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch for the title in the main event of UFC […]

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank at MMA News.

“Remember the Name” is gearing up to challenge Edwards in a highly anticipated rematch for the title in the main event of UFC 304, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

Muhammad went on an impressive 10-fight unbeaten streak to secure his long-awaited shot at UFC gold, a goal he has been vocally pursuing for quite some time. During his journey, the 36-year-old Illinois native defeated notable opponents such as Gilbert Burns, Sean Brady, and Stephen Thompson.

Muhammad’s win streak has skyrocketed his confidence, leading him to view the divisional champ as a mere stepping stone…

Muhammad Exudes Assurance Ahead of Edwards Rematch

During a recent interview with Arab News, “Remember the Name” shared his thoughts on his upcoming clash with Edwards. He argued that the welterweight division is sorely lacking in competitiveness and confidently asserted that facing “Rocky” would be his most straightforward bout yet.

“I see weaknesses in a lot of these guys,” Muhammad said. “I don’t think there are going to be easy fights, but looking at this division, Leon is my easiest fight.”

Muhammad further emphasized that his extensive experience and relentless pursuit of improvement will be his greatest assets in the upcoming bout on July 27.

“I’ve had the highest highs and the lowest lows. After every fight, I analyze what I did wrong. I train year-round to be a better fighter. I really think I’m behind a lot of these guys. So I’ve always had that mentality that I’m behind and have to keep learning, growing, and getting better. And I think that’s what separates me from the rest. Every single fight, I come as a different fighter.”

Muhammad initially faced Edwards in a short-notice bout during a UFC Fight Night main event in March 2021. Unfortunately, an accidental eye poke in the second round forced Muhammad to withdraw, resulting in the fight being declared a no-contest.

Read More: Jon Anik Explains Why Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 1 Is Not Good Indicator Of UFC 304 Rematch: ‘Largely, I Have To Throw Out Most Of The First Fight…’

Continue Reading Belal Muhammad Labels Champion Leon Edwards As His ‘Easiest Fight’ & Sees ‘Weaknesses’ All Through Welterweight Shark Tank at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad urges Colby Covington to retire ahead of UFC 304: ‘There’s nothing left for him’

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has been urged to call time on his mixed martial arts career by…

Former interim welterweight champion, Colby Covington has been urged to call time on his mixed martial arts career by rival, Belal Muhammad ahead of his own title charge at UFC 304, claiming there is nothing left for the outspoken veteran in the sport.

Muhammad, who currently boasts the number two rank in the official welterweight pile, returns next weekend at UFC 304, taking on incumbent division champion, and common-foe, Leon Edwards in a title rematch in Manchester.

Himself sidelined through injury since December of last year, Covington most recently took on Birmingham star, Edwards in his third undisputed title fight under the banner of the UFC, suffering a one-sided unanimous decision loss.

And linked with a slew of potential opponents in his return to action, Clovis native, Covington has remained non-receptive to a showdown with unbeaten Dublin striker, Ian Garry, even off the back of his decision win over Michael ‘Venom’ Page at UFC 303 last month.

Belal Muhammad urges Colby Covington to retire

Sharing his thoughts on the immediate fighting future of Covington – who has campaigned for a future rematch with Edwards, was urged to just retire from mixed martial arts instead by Muhammad.

Colby Covington claims he's still the best welterweight on earth despite loss at UFC 296 — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“Honestly, Colby Covington just needs to retire, there’s literally nothing left for him,” Belal Muhammad told The Schmo. “He’s still trying to attach his glory days to three or four years ago when they thought he was good, but I think everyone figured out now that he sucks and I think that right now he’s just trying to figure out who’s gonna be the next person he can beat up and then he can on the mic and talk trash.”

“He’s kind of like Sean Strickland where he doesn’t have the belt anymore no one cares what he has to say,” Belal Muhammad continued.

Do you agree with Belal Muhammad’s take on Colby Covington’s future?