Tag: belal muhammad

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

UFC commentator John Gooden believes Belal Muhammad might be overconfident with his trash talk aimed at reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards ahead of their rematch at UFC 304. “Rocky” is preparing to defend his title against Muhammad in the headlining bout of the upcoming UFC pay-per-view, set for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena […]

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UFC commentator John Gooden believes Belal Muhammad might be overconfident with his trash talk aimed at reigning welterweight champion Leon Edwards ahead of their rematch at UFC 304.

“Rocky” is preparing to defend his title against Muhammad in the headlining bout of the upcoming UFC pay-per-view, set for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

The two fighters previously clashed in a short-notice matchup at a UFC Fight Night main event in March 2021. However, the bout was cut short when an accidental eye poke in the second round left “Remember the Name” unable to continue, resulting in the fight being declared a no-contest.

After their initial bout, Edwards earned a title shot by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 263 and ultimately overcame Kamaru Usman to claim the 170-pound championship at UFC 278 in August 2022. Meanwhile, Muhammad had to achieve a five-fight undefeated streak to finally secure his first UFC title opportunity.

As the two rivals prepare to clash again, “Remember the Name” is brimming with a new level of confidence, consistently downplaying the Jamaican-born Englishman and even branding him as the “easiest” opponent in the division.

However, Gooden thinks Muhammad might have been overreaching with his verbal jabs…

Gooden Argues Muhammad’s Discrediting of Edwards Is Misjudgment

During a recent interview with MiddleEasy, Gooden weighed in on his compatriot Edwards’ upcoming bout against Muhammad. The British UFC broadcaster remarked that the American’s unwarranted verbal jabs at “Rocky” won’t win him any fans in the champion’s homeland and may even backfire.

He mentioned that Edwards has garnered a substantial fan base in the UK thanks to his consistently stellar performances, which have cemented his reputation as a hometown hero.

“He’s [Edwards] won over the British public through his success,” Gooden said. “I mean, Belal is talking a lot at the moment, and he is saying some pretty… Well, he’s discrediting Leon in a lot of ways. He’s got a lot of thoughts about his personality and his marketability, etc., etc., but Leon has earned this fanfare in the UK.”

“The wider populous likes winners and Leon’s done nothing but that right, so he’s earned the popularity. So Belal is deluded if he thinks he’s going to walk out, and he’s going to get the cheers, and Leon’s going to get the boos like it’s not going to be that way.”

Edwards isn’t celebrated for his microphone skills and had previously shrugged off Muhammad’s attempts to downplay him, questioning where his rival’s newfound confidence is coming from. Regardless, seeing how both fighters approach UFC 304 in the coming days will be fascinating.

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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…’

It has been over three years since Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad first met inside the Octagon, back in March of 2021. As is always the case ahead of a rematch, one of the big questions heading into UFC 304 is how much we can learn from the first time that these two men squared […]

Continue Reading 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…’ at MMA News.

It has been over three years since Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad first met inside the Octagon, back in March of 2021.

As is always the case ahead of a rematch, one of the big questions heading into UFC 304 is how much we can learn from the first time that these two men squared off.

Edwards will be looking to secure the third defense of his welterweight title in the main event on July 27, which he went on to claim after his fight with Muhammad ended in a no contest.

For Muhammad, who took that fight on short notice and was unable to continue fighting after an eye poke, he then produced five consecutive wins over fellow contenders in order to earn this rematch.

Whilst the fight only lasted just over one round, “Rocky” was on top for the majority – but Jon Anik isn’t putting too much stock on what he has seen from this match-up in the past.

Jon Anik Says That Both Men Have Improved Too Much For Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 1 To Impact The Rematch

In a recent interview with InsideFighting, UFC commentator Jon Anik said that he doesn’t believe you can look too much into how the first fight between Edwards and Muhammad played out when previewing the rematch.

Edwards started uncharacteristically fast on that night at the UFC Apex but as Anik goes on to state, Muhammad didn’t have the same kind of preparation ahead of time.

“It’s hard not to toss it out completely, it was a short notice circumstance really for both athletes but Leon was to face Khamzat Chimaev, one of the three times those individuals were scheduled to have fought and Belal was the guy that stepped up.

“Obviously he did show a lot of heart and toughness when he did have compromising spots in that fight, one of the hardest eye pokes I think to watch back just in terms of seeing the combination of a human being’s physical and emotional pain because Belal was not wrong in thinking that when that opportunity against Leon went away with an eye poke, that it was going to be hard to come by again.

“But, they’re just different athletes at this point in time. So I know they’ve both leveled up, Leon levelling up maybe has been easier for someone like me with a more amateur eye to see but I give him a lot of credit for certainly those two wins over Usman.”

Due to the time elapsed since their initial meeting, Anik came to the conclusion that both men have changed too much for the first fight to have much impact on this high-stakes rematch at UFC 304.

“I’m fascinated to see [the rematch] but largely I have to throw out most of the first fight. Even though Leon had more success, I just think Belal’s a totally different physical animal than he was and I think Leon is 25% better than he was.”

Read also: Curtis Blaydes Making No Changes For Tom Aspinall Fight At UFC 304: ‘I Don’t Adjust For Anyone’

Continue Reading 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…’ at MMA News.

What’s Next After UFC 303? Full Confirmed UFC 304 Main Card For Manchester On July 27

UFC 303 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering. The promotion was in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, where the T-Mobile Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for International Fight Week. Of note were victories for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex […]

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UFC 303 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

The promotion was in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, where the T-Mobile Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for International Fight Week. Of note were victories for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira, fast-rising featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes, and undefeated welterweight Ian Garry.

While the aftermath of the June 29 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the light heavyweight title picture to the 170-pound championship conversation.

At UFC 304, set for the newly built Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, reigning welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards will make the walk for the first time this year, making his third defense of the gold in a rematch against Belal Muhammad.

There will also be title stakes between familiar opponents in the co-headliner, as interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall runs it back with Curtis Blaydes two years on from his devastating knee injury opposite “Razor” just 15 seconds into their UFC Fight Night main event in London.

Pimblett, Mokaev, Allen Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 304

Before Edwards and Aspinall defend their championships on home soil in the main and co-main events, respectively, a number of other high-profile Brits will take to the Octagon looking to make the post of their position on the major card.

That includes up-and-coming lightweight Paddy Pimblett, who gets his toughest test to date in the form of the #15-ranked Bobby Green. After extending his unbeaten UFC record to 5-0 by getting the better of Tony Ferguson, the Liverpool native has the chance to break through into the top 15 against “King,” who most recently outpointed Jim Miller on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

Prior to that, Dagestan-born Brit Muhammad Mokaev will look to stake his claim for a first shot at the flyweight gold when he meets former Rizin champion Manel Kape. “The Young Punisher” most recently edged past ex-title challenger Alex Perez at the Apex in March. “Starboy,” meanwhile, hasn’t competed since a victory at UFC 293 in Sydney last September, with a weight miss and injury subsequently scrapping his two scheduled rematches with Matheus Nicolau this year.

Another local favorite will open the main card, with Ipswich native Arnold Allen looking to get back on track. Following a valiant effort in defeat against Max Holloway in Kansas City last April, “Almighty” fell on the wrong side of a tight and debated decision opposite Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. To bounce back, Allen must halt the resurgence of striking specialist Giga Chikadze, who most recently returned to winning ways at the expense of Alex Caceres in Singapore last August.

See below for the full UFC 304 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Leon Edwards (C) vs. Belal Muhammad (welterweight championship main event)
  • Tom Aspinall (C) vs. Curtis Blaydes  (interim heavyweight championship co-main event)
  • Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett (lightweight)
  • Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape (flyweight)
  • Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze (featherweight)

Preliminary Card:

  • Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda (featherweight)
  • Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil (women’s strawweight)
  • Caolán Loughran vs. Ramon Tavares (bantamweight)
  • Mick Parkin vs. ?ukasz Brzeski (heavyweight)

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons (welterweight)
  • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues (middleweight)
  • Sam Patterson vs. Kiefer Crosbie (welterweight)
  • Shauna Bannon vs. Ravena Oliveira (women’s strawweight)
  • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio (light heavyweight) 
Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

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Belal Muhammad claims he has “signed” to fight Leon Edwards in London, Edwards immediately denies

Belal Muhammad, Leon EdwardsUFC welterweight Belal Muhammad says he signed a contract to face Leon Edwards at UFC 286 in London. Edwards has denied his claims.  Muhammad went on Twitter to publicly address the “signed” contract.  “See you there,” Muhammad tweeted “I signed, just waiting for Leon.” Edwards responded to the alleged contract by simply stating that he’ll […]

Belal Muhammad, Leon Edwards

UFC welterweight Belal Muhammad says he signed a contract to face Leon Edwards at UFC 286 in London. Edwards has denied his claims. 

Muhammad went on Twitter to publicly address the “signed” contract. 

“See you there,” Muhammad tweeted “I signed, just waiting for Leon.”

Edwards responded to the alleged contract by simply stating that he’ll never grant Muhammad a shot at UFC gold. 

“Shut up you bum, you ain’t getting a title shot,” Edwards said. 

The 34-year-old Muhammad shot back at Edwards while bringing up his physical altercation with Jorge Masvidal three years ago in London. 

“Who’s the bum begging for a fight with a guy on a three-fight losing streak?,” Muhammad said. “He slapped you in your own country and you didn’t do nothing, get over it.”

After the Twitter exchange, Muhammad continued to throw shots at Edwards with memes.

Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards Have History

Muhammad and Edwards fought in the main event of UFC Vegas 21. The contest was stopped due to an accidental eye poke by Edwards. It was declared a no-contest. 

The two welterweights went on to achieve success after their lone meeting. Muhammad is on an eight-fight win streak. He last fought at UFC 280 where he defeated Sean Brady by second-round TKO. Edwards went on to earn back-to-back wins. He beat Nate Diaz then pulled off a shocking comeback against Kamaru Usman to win the UFC welterweight title. 

Muhammad has been critical of Edwards in the past. In April, he stated that he didn’t believe Edwards earned a title shot with his resume. He also said that Edwards resorted to “Dana White privilege” for his opportunities. 

Muhammad believes he should be next in line for a title shot. All signs point to a possible trilogy between Edwards and Usman for the welterweight title at UFC 286 in London.

Leon Edwards Ridicules Belal Muhammad For Title Shot Request

UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards scoffed at Belal Muhammad’s claim that he’s set for the next title shot. Edwards earned the UFC welterweight title by pulling off a remarkable come-from-behind win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. He may …

UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards scoffed at Belal Muhammad’s claim that he’s set for the next title shot. Edwards earned the UFC welterweight title by pulling off a remarkable come-from-behind win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. He may return to defend the belt in the coming months, potentially at UFC 286 at The O2…

Continue Reading Leon Edwards Ridicules Belal Muhammad For Title Shot Request at MMA News.

Belal Muhammad unhappy with immediate rematches in MMA: “Usman, sit down a little bit, relax, heal up, let me fight Leon Edwards”

Belal MuhammadBelal Muhammad has his eyes set on UFC gold as he tells Kamaru Usman that there aren’t any immediate rematches in a real sport.  Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammed is on a role in the Welterweight division, having won 8 of his last 9 fights, with one going to a no-contest. This impressive run has […]

Belal Muhammad

Belal Muhammad has his eyes set on UFC gold as he tells Kamaru Usman that there aren’t any immediate rematches in a real sport. 

Belal “Remember the Name” Muhammed is on a role in the Welterweight division, having won 8 of his last 9 fights, with one going to a no-contest. This impressive run has propelled Muhammed to the 4th spot in the 170-pound rankings. However, he’s in sort of a limbo state as UFC eyes a rematch between Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman.

This hasn’t sat well with Belal Muhammed, who spoke out against the idea of immediate rematches in a recent interview.

“We’re talking numbers, we’re talking rankings…you want to make this a real sport,” said Muhammad on a recent Instagram live chat. “If you want to make this a real sport, there’s no rematches once you lose the Super Bowl. You lose the Super Bowl, you lost the Super Bowl, that’s it, you’re going to have to wait until next year. You don’t get a, ‘Ahh, man. That was a lucky pass. Nah, you lost, you don’t get the rematch right away. You’ve got to go through a whole other season to try and get back there again.” (H/T MMAFighting)

Belal Muhammad tells Kamaru Usman to “sit down” as he aims to fight Leon Edwards

Belal Muhammad has been chasing a UFC title for a while now. He has even gone out of his way to change trainers, studying under Khabib Nurmagomedov in his last fight in the hopes of evolving his MMA game. The change paid dividends as Muhammad got the finish that had been eluding him for several years. 

This seems to have only boosted his confidence as tells Kamaru Usman to take a seat and relax, while he fights Leon Edwards for the title.

“So, Usman, sit down a little bit, relax, heal up, [and] let me fight Leon Edwards.”

Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards would step inside the octagon together. The last contest took place in March 2021, but the fight was stopped early in the 2nd round after Edwards landed a brutal eye poke on Belal Muhammad. 

And afterward, Belal Muhammad didn’t get his rematch with Edwards. Instead, Edwards was rewarded with a money fight against Nate Diaz off of that no-contest, which didn’t sit well with Muhammad. Perhaps this is another reason why Muhammad isn’t a fan of immediate rematches as it’s often up to the UFC if they want to grant one or not. Despite who might actually deserve it.