“The more people hate, I like him more…” Robert Whittaker roots for Belal Muhammad as welterweight star faces constant hatred among fans

Belal Muhammad is the # 2 ranked contender in the welterweight division. He remains one of the most disliked fighters on the UFC roster. Many feel Muhammad’s trash talks remain excessive and do not entertain the fanbase in any way. However, the ‘much-hated’ Muhammad seems to have found an unlikely ally in former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. 

Whittaker recently uploaded another episode of his MMArcade podcast. ‘The Reaper’ admitted he was actually rooting for “Remember the Name” to capture the welterweight title. He agreed with the fact that Belal Muhammad had earned a title shot and wanted to see the aftermath of fans responding to the title reign.

The more people hate on him, the more I like him. It's just bringing me to his side. I love it. I love it. It's a fight I want to see. I want to see Belal with the belt wrapped around him. That would upset a lot of people. The uproar would be fantastic. Not to say I want Leon to lose because I like Leon Edwards very much. I'm just saying, it would be a funny dynamic.

Robert Whittaker via the MMArcade podcast

The outspoken Muhammad has developed a reputation as one of MMA’s most polarizing figures. His trash-talking antics and less-than-exciting fighting style have rubbed many fans the wrong way over the years. But the constant hatred from the masses seemed to amuse Robert Whittaker, who saw the humor in Muhammad’s villainy.

Muhammad has largely backed up his trash talk with his performances inside the octagon. He’s currently riding a nine-fight unbeaten streak capped by a unanimous decision win over Gilbert Burns. Despite his impressive run, Muhammad was passed over for a title shot against Leon Edwards. He’s since demanded the UFC give him the next crack at “Rocky’s” title.

Robert Whittaker analyzes the UFC’s strategy for Tom Aspinall’s interim belt defense

Robert Whittaker recently broke down the promotion’s decision to have Tom Aspinall defend his interim heavyweight strap. This, however, won’t be against the champion Jon Jones. The opponent for Aspinall has not yet been finalized.

Whittaker provided his analysis of the situation surrounding the heavyweight division on a recent episode of the MMA Arcade podcast. Whittaker saw it as a win for Aspinall as he didn’t have to wait a longer time and could receive the benefits as well.

If UFC are giving him the opportunity to defend the interim belt, understandably it’s not the belt but he’ll still be paid PPV money, he’ll still be paid championship money. It’s a way to keep him going.

Robert Whittaker via MMArcade Podcast

The way Whittaker sees it, having Aspinall put his interim title up for grabs is UFC’s mind-boggling strategy. This will keep the surging Brit active and earning a bigger paycheck while Jones gets ready to fight Stipe Miocic next. Meanwhile, Whittaker himself has a fight lined up against Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia for a title eliminator bout.

In case you missed it:

• Despite brutal loss at UFC 300, Islam Makhachev calls Justin Gaethje ‘dream fight’
• “I can handle your light work” – Mike Perry wants to step in for Mike Tyson against Jake Paul

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