Belal Muhammad reveals ‘mental breakdown’ of Leon Edwards in dominating title fight 

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad shares how he destroyed Leon Edwards both physically and mentally at UFC 304.

Belal Muhammad reveals ‘mental breakdown’ of Leon Edwards in dominating title fight 

Belal Muhammad absolutely dismantled Leon Edwards at UFC 304 (via Imago/BBC)

Belal Muhammad shocked the MMA world at UFC 304 when he destroyed former champion Leon Edwards. Going into the fight, everybody, including the Brit, looked down upon the challenger. However, Muhammad made it look easy and left no doubts in the minds of fans that night.

Coming into the fight, Edwards was on an impressive 13-fight unbeaten streak and was the fan favorite to win. However, as soon as the fight started, Muhammad showcased why he’s the hardest worker in the division. In a recent interview, the new champion shared his experience of dominating ‘Rocky.’

Once it got to the second round and he felt me grab him, and I was like, ‘Bro, that’s way too easy’….he didn’t wanna be there.

Belal Muhammad via Barstool Chicago 
YouTube video

Very early in the fight, Muhammad noticed the strength difference between him and Edwards. Muhammad rag-dolled the Brit for most of the rounds and even dropped him on his head. The English fighter looked helpless and ‘Bully B’ knew that ‘Rocky’ had given up. 

In between the rounds, Edwards couldn’t maintain his calm and even had a verbal scuffle with his coach. While his coach’s words of motivation worked during his iconic win against Kamaru Usman, this time it was useless. Muhammad won the fight via unanimous decision while outclassing Edwards in all aspects of MMA, from grappling to striking.

How did Belal Muhammad shut down all his haters? 

Belal Muhammad had to struggle a lot in order to get the welterweight title shot. Despite a strong unbeaten streak and victories over top fighters, he had to wait for his shot. His fighting style and lack of finishes were perceived as boring and ineffective.

Belal Muhammad out striking Leon Edwards
Belal Muhammad out striking Leon Edwards (via MMA Fighting)

Before the Leon Edwards title fight, many fans and MMA experts bet against him, discrediting his skills. However, the Palestinian-American fighter answered in the most brutal way possible by dominating his opponent for five rounds. In an interview with Joe Rogan, Muhammad shared how his striking worked against Edwards. 

People just underestimate me when they look at me. ‘Oh, he doesn’t have a bunch of knockouts’ but when you look at my fights and see the way I pieced up a lot of these big names. For the Leon fight, my gym is small but I work with the best strikers….So, nothing that Leon was gonna throw at me is gonna surprise me. 

Belal Muhammad via JRE MMA Show #162
YouTube video

On paper, Edwards was obviously the better striker but at UFC 304, but Muhammad mixed all the martial arts, making him better. Going forward, the champion wants to continue the same momentum and provide entertaining fights. Fans are now excited to see him go against the top contenders in the welterweight division.

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