Belal Muhammad admits to almost losing confidence after getting dominated by a retired Khabib Nurmagomedov
New champ Belal Muhammad shared what it felt like to spar with lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov even years after his retirement.
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Belal Muhammad talks about getting dominated by Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Imago)
Belal Muhammad shocked the world when he defeated Leon Edwards at UFC 304 to become the new welterweight champion. Muhammad threw everything he had into the fight preparations, including training with Khabib Nurmagomedov and his teammates. Practicing with Nurmagomedov provided numerous benefits but also raised a few reservations in Muhammad’s mind.
Belal Muhammad had to wait a long time to get his title shot, and nobody expected him to dominate Leon Edwards the way he did. Ahead of the fight, Muhammad frequently mentioned training with Team Khabib. He also talked about the ‘Eagle’ helping him break down Edward’s game plan. However, for him, the hardest part was getting dominated by the retired Dagestani in the training sessions.
Khabib freaking playing with me. Like throwing me around. I was like ‘bro I’m getting killed by him’ and then all of a sudden I get the fight announcement and I’m like ‘bro, I suck.’
Belal Muhammad via The Fighter and the Kid Podcast
Muhammad also mentioned that Khabib Nurmagomedov still has the same strength and pressure. According to the champion, Nurmagomedov can decide to come back anytime and still destroy all the champions in any division. After Muhammad’s incredible performance at UFC 304, many, including Dana White, gave credit to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
However, the Hall of Famer stayed humble and refused to take anything from Muhammad’s main coaches. Nurmagomedov retired from UFC in 2020 at the age of 31. He was still in his prime, and it seems like he hasn’t lost the skillset despite the inactivity. White has frequently discussed his several offers to bring back Nurmagomedov; however, the Dagestani has never shown any interest.
Why will Khabib Nurmagomedov never make his MMA return?
Since his retirement, Khabib Nurmagomedov has shifted his focus toward coaching his teammates, including Islam Makhachev, Umar Nurmagomedov, etc. Other than that, many other UFC superstars have also visited the fighters to get help for their respective fights. Recently, Johnny Walker from Conor McGregor‘s gym also started training with Nurmagomedov for his upcoming fight.
In his prime, Khabib Nurmagomedov became a global sensation and made millions of dollars and followers. According to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, Nurmagomedov doesn’t have the motivation left to come back from retirement as he has everything.
I don't think he's coming back because for what? Belt? He have. Money? He have. Legacy or what? I don't know.Islam Makhachev via FULL SEND PODCAST
Like his professional MMA career, Khabib Nurmagomedov is also undefeated as a coach. He has followed in the footsteps of his late father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, to become a mentor for others who need him. The UFC Hall of Famer seems very satisfied with his life and doesn’t have the need to fight anymore.
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Ameetosh Dash
(899 Articles Published)