Belal Muhammad became the UFC welterweight champion this past weekend after convincingly beating Leon Edwards as the underdog.
Many expected that the champion would defend his title on home soil based on what we have seen from both men in their previous fights.
Whilst Muhammad has been able to dominate opponents with his constant pressure and wrestling, this is something that “Rocky” has been able to deal with as of late.
However, in an old video that has recently resurfaced, Muhammad broke down why his fight with Edwards would be different to the ones the Brit had with Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington.
Belal Muhammad Correctly Predicts Multiple Aspects Of UFC 304 Title Shot Before It Was Made Official
Speaking in an interview with MMA Fighting, Muhammad very accurately predicted what would happen in the main event of UFC 304 long before that date was confirmed.
He spoke about where he believes Edwards is beatable and why his style would be able to capitalize on what Usman and Covington couldn’t.
Muhammad also gave his take on Edwards’ corner which ended up being very similar to what happened this past weekend.
“When you look at stylistically of why they thought Colby would be a bad match-up for him, it was cardio, it was pressure, it was taking him down, keeping volume in his face and I do all those better than Colby. I do all those better than Usman. Usman in that third fight, he wasn’t the same Usman. People can say whatever they want. I think he came back too soon for that head kick.
“But in that second fight, it was volume, pressure, and it was breaking Leon and Leon’s easily broken. I think that’s why when you see in between rounds, his coaches, his team, they’re all like, they’re not giving him advice right? They’re not telling him, ‘Oh yes, on the outside jab.’ No, they’re like, ‘You’re looking beautiful Leon, You’re a beast Leon, Don’t let him bully you son.'”
It was a bad night at the office for the former welterweight champion and as proven by this interview, Muhammad was able to do exactly what he intended.
“Once he starts getting on his back foot, he starts breaking. Once he stars getting taken down, he starts breaking. Once he starts getting hit, he hates it. So the last two fights that he’s had, it’s been more so let me stay on the outside, let me keep the pace at what I like it at… when I’m in there, it’s not going to be that at all.”
Read also: Leon Edwards’ Coach Names Preferred Next Opponent After Title Loss At UFC 304
